Rescue teams from various countries are on the ground in Venezuela, continuing the intensive search for survivors following two powerful earthquakes. As the situation enters its fourth day, the death toll has tragically risen to over 1,400.
According to National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodríguez, tens of thousands are still unaccounted for after the quakes, which recorded magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday.
Three of the deceased have been identified as young soccer players, one of whom was a promising talent anticipated to join the national team.
Imberto Beroteran, just 18 years old, was confirmed dead, as reported by the Venezuelan Football Federation on Friday.
In a statement, they expressed, “Venezuela football bids a heartbreaking farewell to a young man who represented the colors of our country with pride, dedication and love.”
Beroteran had been a member of Venezuela’s U-20 team and played for the national side during the 2025 U-17 World Cup as a forward.
Two other young players, 14-year-olds Victor Palacios and Razan Shijar, who were part of the U-18 Caracas FC team, also lost their lives in the disaster.
Aftershocks from the earthquakes continue to disrupt rescue operations across the country. Lois Pace, director for the Americas at the Red Cross, noted, “Every time I was on the phone with my team, there was shaking and shaking.”
This alarming frequency of tremors has heightened safety concerns for rescue teams working to assess the damage and provide assistance.
“People want to go home and feel safe again, but there’s concern about infrastructure. These buildings are literally collapsing, so caution is crucial,” she added.
International aid is now arriving in Venezuela as Simón Bolívar International Airport, near Caracas, has reopened one of its runways.
The U.S. is extending support following a military operation launched on January 3 to apprehend Nicolás Maduro, the imprisoned leader.
A White House official mentioned, “We have a unique relationship with transitional authorities and are working closely with them to meet their needs and get logistics up and running.”
They also highlighted the complexities of coordinating multiple international teams vying to land at the same airport under ongoing logistical constraints.
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, the U.S. deployed two elite search and rescue teams from Virginia and Los Angeles.
Lithuania, far from the epicenter, is collaborating with Germany to offer medical and relief assistance. Meanwhile, 64 rescue workers and four rescue dogs have been sent from the Netherlands to aid the search efforts.
Qatar is also contributing to the rescue and reconstruction initiatives, as announced by Interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
Argentina, under President Javier Millay, is providing assistance, with Rodriguez expressing deep appreciation for their support during this challenging time.
A total of 21 international aid teams have arrived since Wednesday, bringing nearly 2,000 personnel, 96 rescue dogs, 40 vehicles, and three tons of medical supplies, according to Congress President Jorge Rodríguez.
