Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Nears 3,000 as Survivors Recount Horror Beneath the Rubble

The death toll from the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela's Caribbean coast on June 24 has climbed to 2,954, according to government figures, as rescue teams continue searching for thousands of people still missing.

One survivor, Juan Zapata, shared his remarkable story after spending more than two days trapped beneath the rubble of his collapsed apartment building in La Guaira. He was rescued by civilian volunteers after being buried for two days and seven hours.

"I lost everything I owned, but I'm grateful to be alive," Zapata said while receiving treatment at a temporary field hospital. He suffered fractured ribs and multiple injuries but is recovering.

Authorities say over 16,000 people have been left homeless, while an unofficial estimate puts the number of missing persons at more than 41,000. Nearly 30,000 government personnel and over 3,200 international rescue workers have been deployed to support rescue and relief operations.

Despite ongoing efforts, many residents and volunteers have criticized the government's response, claiming food, medicine and heavy rescue equipment arrived too late. Civilian rescue teams have continued searching through collapsed buildings in hopes of recovering survivors and victims.

At one of the hardest-hit neighborhoods in La Guaira, volunteers say they will remain at the disaster site until every missing person has been accounted for, as families continue to wait for news of their loved ones.

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