Rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors after two powerful earthquakes devastated Venezuela, leaving at least 235 people dead and more than 4,300 injured.
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within seconds of each other near the capital, Caracas, on Wednesday evening. Because both quakes occurred at shallow depths, the destruction was severe, bringing down homes, hotels and other buildings across several regions.
Emergency crews continue searching through collapsed structures in Caracas and the coastal city of La Guaira, where survivors have been heard calling for help beneath the rubble. Authorities fear the death toll will continue to rise as rescue operations progress.
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency following the disaster, while National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez confirmed that at least 250 buildings have been damaged or destroyed. The worst-hit areas include Caracas, La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, Yaracuy and Trujillo.
International support has begun arriving, with the United States pledging $150 million in emergency aid and deploying military aircraft and transport ships to assist search-and-rescue operations. Several other countries, including Mexico, El Salvador, Qatar and the Dominican Republic, have also offered assistance.
The US Geological Survey warned that casualties could rise significantly, estimating a high probability of widespread destruction due to the shallow nature of the earthquakes. More than 30 aftershocks have already been recorded, forcing many residents to remain outdoors as damaged buildings continue to pose a danger.
The earthquakes are the strongest to strike Venezuela since 1900 and have caused widespread disruption, including the closure of the country’s main international airport in Maiquetía after it sustained significant structural damage.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as rescue efforts continue and emergency teams work around the clock to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
