Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes have claimed at least 235 lives, with rescue teams continuing an urgent search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings across the country.
The powerful earthquakes, measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 by the United States Geological Survey, struck northern Venezuela less than a minute apart on Wednesday night, leaving widespread destruction in their wake. Buildings collapsed, roads were damaged, and strong aftershocks continued to shake affected communities on Thursday.
Health Minister Carlos Alvarado confirmed that the death toll had risen to at least 235, while approximately 4,300 people sustained injuries.
Rescue operations have been slowed by damaged infrastructure and limited resources, with emergency workers racing against time to reach those trapped beneath the rubble.
In La Guaira, the worst-hit state north of Caracas, residents desperately tried to save victims using whatever tools they could find.
“We need people…, military personnel, to come and help so we can get her out,” said resident Dani Rizo, 48.
Local residents later confirmed that the young girl they had been trying to rescue died before help arrived.
Elsewhere in the state, three people were still heard calling for help beneath the debris of a collapsed building.
“They’re still alive… There’s nothing more we can do,” said resident Antonio Bermudez. “We don’t have any tools. We have no way to help.”
At Domingo Luciani Hospital, a doctor who requested anonymity said ambulances were bringing in children rescued from collapsed buildings, many without family members.
“Some children provide their names, while others arrive with identification tape on their arms,” he said.
International Rescue Efforts Intensify
A rescue worker, speaking anonymously, told AFP that operations remain challenging due to shortages of trained personnel and technical equipment.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez visited La Guaira after authorities declared the area a disaster zone. AFP journalists also witnessed residents looting a supermarket in the city as the humanitarian situation worsened.
Nicole Kast, Venezuela’s director of the International Rescue Committee, described the disaster as catastrophic.
Countries including Switzerland, Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, China, India, Brazil and Iran have pledged assistance, sending rescue specialists, emergency personnel and humanitarian support.
The United States announced it would deploy two warships, transport aircraft, helicopters and $150 million in aid.
“We have a whole-of-government response. It’ll be big, it’ll be fast, and it’ll be effective,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Pope Leo XIV has also donated an initial €100,000 in emergency assistance, while United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that responding to Venezuela’s strongest earthquake in 126 years would require “massive collective efforts.”
Relief operations may face additional challenges after the international airport in La Guaira was forced to close because of severe structural damage.
Authorities confirmed that foreign nationals were among the victims, including two Brazilians, two Chinese citizens, one Italian and one Portuguese national.
Quake Felt Beyond Venezuela
The earthquakes were also felt across neighboring Colombia, prompting evacuations in Bogota, while tremors were reported in several cities in northern Brazil.
Scenes of destruction extended to Caracas, where thousands of residents spent the night outdoors or inside their vehicles, fearing additional aftershocks.
Among them was Rita Gomez, who travelled to the capital after learning through social media that her daughter’s apartment building had collapsed.
She said heavy machinery had finally arrived at the site and praised the efforts of local residents.
“There is a lot of cooperation from the neighbors. We are trusting in God that they will find her alive.”
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