Back-to-back earthquakes along Venezuela's Caribbean coast have killed at least 1,430 people and left tens of thousands missing, overwhelming the Bello Monte mortuary in Caracas with bodies arriving by motorcycle and private vehicles. Volunteers wielded drills and picks to search for survivors in collapsed buildings, including a four-story structure in Los Palos Grandes that claimed three family members.

Marjorie Cedeño waited outside the mortuary for days, identifying only her brother while her parents remained buried under rubble. Another woman lost her sister-in-law to delays after a false tsunami alert caused chaos. The disasters struck Venezuela's already vulnerable infrastructure, compounding years of economic decline and underinvestment in emergency services.

Acting leader Delcy Rodríguez acknowledged saving 33 people but faced public anger over the sluggish official response. Critics shouted accusations that the government abandoned citizens in their hour of need. The communications ministry broadcast images of rescue teams working, yet volunteers continued bearing the brunt of relief efforts.

Former funeral association president Edgar Hernández said undertakers donated over 200 coffins and supplies nationwide. While tents and food reached displaced families, the crisis exposed Venezuela's unpreparedness for large-scale disasters, potentially affecting investor confidence in a nation already facing severe economic challenges.