The death toll from the powerful twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela has climbed to at least 235, with rescue teams continuing a desperate search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
According to AFP, as published by Channels Television, the earthquakes, measured by the United States Geological Survey at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck less than a minute apart on Wednesday night, causing widespread devastation across northern Venezuela.
Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said about 4,300 people have been injured, while rescue workers continue to battle damaged infrastructure, limited equipment and persistent aftershocks.
In the worst-hit state of La Guaira, residents described heartbreaking scenes as people remained trapped under collapsed buildings. Witnesses told AFP that a young girl who had cried out for help for hours died before rescuers could reach her, while others could still be heard calling from beneath the rubble.
Medical workers said children were arriving at hospitals alone after being rescued, with some identified only by tags placed on their arms.
Rescue personnel also reported shortages of trained staff and specialist equipment, slowing efforts to reach those still trapped.
Interim president Delcy Rodriguez visited La Guaira after authorities declared it a disaster zone. AFP reporters also witnessed looting at a supermarket in the affected area.
International assistance is gathering pace, with Switzerland, Spain, France, Portugal and Mexico sending rescue specialists. The United States has announced the deployment of two warships, transport aircraft and helicopters, alongside $150 million in aid.
Other countries, including China, India, Brazil and Iran, have also offered support, while Pope Leo XIV pledged an initial €100,000 in humanitarian assistance.
The United Nations described the disaster as requiring “massive collective efforts,” with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing deep sadness over the tragedy.
Relief operations have been complicated by severe damage to the international airport in La Guaira, forcing its closure.
Authorities confirmed that foreign nationals were among those killed, including two Brazilians, two Chinese citizens, one Italian and one Portuguese citizen.
The 7.5-magnitude earthquake is the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900, while the country has not experienced a major earthquake since 1997, when 73 people died. The tremors were also felt in neighbouring Colombia and parts of Brazil, prompting evacuations in some cities.
Many residents in the capital, Caracas, spent the night sleeping outdoors or in their vehicles amid fears of further aftershocks. Families continued searching for missing loved ones as heavy machinery worked through the debris.
