- Venezuela is grappling with the aftermath of devastating 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes , which have officially claimed 920 lives and left over 51,000 people missing.
- The hardest-hit state, La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas , has seen citizens taking search efforts into their own hands due to a perceived scarcity of government rescuers.
- Authorities have tightened access to La Guaira, requiring permits for entry, and deployed 14,000 military and police personnel, while 1,600 foreign rescue team members have arrived to assist.
- The disaster presents a significant challenge for Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed office after the removal of Nicolás Maduro, amidst Venezuela's ongoing economic difficulties.
- Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed discussions with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who pledged rescue teams and aid equipment, as the crucial 48-72 hour window for finding survivors closes.
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