Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 1,430, Tens of Thousands Missing

The death toll from powerful earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 1,430, with rescue crews racing to find survivors in the rubble more than three days after the disaster struck on Wednesday. Reports indicate that as many as 68,900 people are missing.

The search for survivors is taking place amid a pre-existing economic and political crisis in the country. Hopes for finding more people alive are dwindling as the critical 72-hour window for rescues has passed. Millions are also feared to be without sanitation and other basic necessities.

Despite the challenging conditions, an 11-year-old boy was rescued from the rubble in the northern city of Caraballeda on Saturday. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez announced the rescue, stating, “Every life is a source of hope for Venezuela.”

International aid has begun to arrive. The United States reported that a runway at Simon Bolivar International Airport is partially operational to receive US military C-17 aircraft, and a naval ship is positioned off the coast. Rodriguez, who is backed by the US, thanked other nations for the aid amid reports of public frustration with the local response.

Pakistan News will update this story as more confirmed details become available.

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