Twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela five days ago have killed at least 1,719 people, wounded over 5,000, and left more than 15,000 homeless, according to National Assembly president Jorge Rodriguez. The disaster has overwhelmed local rescue capabilities, with residents appealing for excavators, generators and specialized rescue tools as civilian volunteers step in to support crews working through rubble.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado announced plans to return from Panama to coordinate recovery efforts, though the Trump administration favors Acting President Delcy Rodriguez. A hotel housing approximately 140 deportees from the US collapsed in the hardest-hit La Guaira region, with most occupants believed killed just hours after their arrival from Miami.

The United States doubled its aid commitment to $300 million and deployed search-and-rescue teams, while US Marines work to repair the damaged La Guaira port. The UN will provide 10,000 body bags amid fears the death toll will rise further, and the EU is sending 50 tons of shelter and sanitation equipment via humanitarian air bridge.

The infrastructure damage extends beyond immediate humanitarian concerns to Venezuela's economic recovery prospects, with key transportation hubs compromised and international aid becoming essential for basic relief operations.