Venezuela is grappling with the aftermath of its worst series of earthquakes in 126 years, with over 50,000 people reported missing as the critical "72-hour golden time" for rescue efforts is rapidly running out. Concerns are growing that the situation may worsen as time passes.
As of June 26, at least 920 deaths have been confirmed due to the earthquakes, according to reports from AP, CNN, and The New York Times. The number of missing individuals has surpassed 51,000.
With three days having passed since the earthquakes struck, the crucial "72-hour golden time" for rescuing survivors is nearing its end. Experts typically regard the first 48 to 72 hours after an earthquake as the most critical period for locating survivors. After this window, the chances of survival significantly decrease due to dehydration and worsening injuries.
However, rescue teams are facing a severe shortage of personnel and equipment. Amid inadequate government support, residents are using shovels and pickaxes to search through the rubble, with some digging through debris with their bare hands in hopes of finding family members and neighbors.
The medical system is also on the brink of collapse. Dr. Juníades Urbina-Medina, former president of the Venezuelan National Academy of Medicine, told CNN, "There is no way to care for the influx of patients at hospitals. We have no medical gases, painkillers, anesthetics, or antibiotics available."
The emergency transport system is nearing breakdown. The public ambulance service in the Caracas metropolitan area has only three operational vehicles, and it is estimated that about 90% of patients from the La Guaira region have been transported to hospitals using police pickup trucks since the earthquakes occurred.
Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration has projected that up to 6.76 million people may suffer direct or indirect impacts from this disaster.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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