local
Venezuelans take search for the missing into their own hands as earthquake death toll climbs
By Megan Janetsky, Andry Rincón And Juan Pablo Arraez, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 26, 2026
· 6 min read
Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands Friday in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes, citing the scarcity of government rescuers, as the human toll of the disaster climbed to at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing.Citizens digging through the rubble ...
Key takeaway Citizens digging through the rubble of their homes said they have seen few state rescue teams in the areas hit hardest by the devastating 7.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's own experience with disaster response can inform our understanding of the challenges faced by Venezuelans. In the aftermath of severe weather events, local residents have seen firsthand the importance of swift and effective rescue efforts. The scarcity of government rescuers in Venezuela's hardest-hit areas is a stark reminder that even with the best intentions, resources can be stretched thin. As San Antonio's own emergency management teams have learned, the first 48 to 72 hours are crucial in saving lives, and every hour counts. The decision by Venezuelan authorities to block off access to La Guaira, while intended to manage chaos, may inadvertently hinder the very rescue efforts that are needed. San Antonio's own community has a history of coming together to support those in need, and it will be worth watching to see how local organizations and residents respond to the growing international aid effort in Venezuela.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands Friday in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes, citing the scarcity of government rescuers, as the human toll of the disaster climbed to at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing.Citizens digging through the rubble ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Megan Janetsky, Andry Rincón And Juan Pablo Arraez, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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