B1June 29, 2026·2 min read·283 words·3 vocab words·Source: CBS News

Venezuela Earthquakes: Over 1700 Confirmed Dead as Search for Missing Persons Continues

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Venezuela Earthquakes: Over 1700 Confirmed Dead as Search for Missing Persons Continues
Photo: CBS News
In brief

Five days ago, powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing a major crisis. The confirmed death toll has now exceeded one thousand seven hundred people. Meanwhile, thousands of residents remain missing. Rescue teams have worked tirelessly to search for survivors in the country. Reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has shared the latest details about this tragic disaster on CBS News, showing the world the scale of the ongoing rescue efforts.

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Five days ago, powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela and caused a massive crisis in the country. Rescue teams have worked constantly since then to find survivors in the affected areas. According to recent updates, the confirmed death toll has already risen to over 1700 people. Although rescue workers are searching daily, thousands of people still remain missing after the disaster. If teams do not find survivors soon, the number of deaths will probably increase further.

A reporter who works for CBS News, Camilo Montoya-Galvez, has shared these important details. He has explained that rescue operations are still going on in all the affected areas. Many people have lost their lives, and others are desperately waiting for any positive news. The earthquakes hit the nation five days ago, but the danger is not over yet.

Local officials have confirmed more than 1700 deaths, but thousands of people are still missing. Rescue teams are trying to carry out their search as the situation remains very They will continue looking for survivors as long as there is still some real hope.

If you watch the CBS News you will see the news about the disaster. Camilo Montoya-Galvez has reported from the scene to give viewers the latest official news updates. The reporter pointed out that the situation is very for the whole local population. Thousands of people have and the rescue teams are continuing this long search. The rescue workers might find more survivors if they search the remaining areas very quickly. Local officials have confirmed the deaths, and they are helping the rescue teams with their tasks. The world is watching Venezuela as the country deals with this truly terrible natural disaster.

Speak about it

Take a position. Out loud, if you can.

Four ways to start. Pick one and try saying it before you scroll on.

Tip · Record yourself, use in a notebook, or practice with a language partner.

Comprehension
Question 1 of 3

What has happened to the confirmed death toll since the earthquakes?

Grammar spotlight

Present Perfect for Recent Events

One point · B1

Use the present perfect to describe recent actions that have a direct result on the present situation.

From this article

A reporter who works for CBS News, Camilo Montoya-Galvez, has shared these important details.

What to know · B1

Use it today

Try saying this aloud

Neutral register

Scenario: Sharing updates from a news broadcast with a colleague.

  1. 01According to recent updates,
  2. 02Have you heard the latest news?
  3. 03They are still searching.

Register tip · neutral

🔑Key Phrases

caused a massive crisisTriggered a major emergency.

Indicates the consequences of the earthquakes.

Verb + direct object noun phrase

The storm caused a massive crisis in the city.

confirmed death toll has already risenThe verified number of dead people has increased.

Describes a change in situation leading up to the present.

Noun phrase + present perfect auxiliary + adverb + past participle

The official toll has already risen to fifty.

trying to carry out their searchAttempting to perform their rescue work.

Highlights the effort to execute the mission.

Verb + to-infinitive + phrasal verb object

They are trying to carry out their plan.

pointed out that the situation isIndicated that the state of affairs is.

A common reporting phrase to emphasize a fact.

Phrasal verb + that-complement clause

She pointed out that the situation is simple.

💬Discussion Questions

Open-ended questions to talk or write about — alone, with a partner, or in class.

  1. 1

    Why do major television networks spend so much time covering natural disasters?

    Opinion
  2. 2

    How does the coverage of real disasters on the news compare to fictional disaster movies?

    Compare
  3. 3

    In what ways can celebrities use their entertainment platforms to support disaster victims?

    Evaluate
  4. 4

    If a movie were made about this earthquake, how should it portray the rescue workers?

    Opinion
  5. 5

    What do you think will change in news reporting technology over the next decade?

    Predict
  6. 6

    How do you decide which news channels or media sources to trust during a crisis?

    Personal
  7. 7

    Should media outlets show graphic details of natural disasters, or is that unethical?

    Evaluate
  8. 8

    Have you ever participated in or watched a charity event to help people in need?

    Personal

Adapted from CBS News · Read the original. LectoPress rewrites the facts as original graded-reader text for language learners.

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