Specialised rescue teams, coordinated with the United Nations, are en route to Venezuela following the devastating earthquake that has left at least 164 people dead, according to the country’s acting president.
Delsy Rodríguez said on state television that international teams are already on their way to assist with search and rescue operations for people trapped under rubble.
She added that she has spoken with several foreign leaders and a UN official stationed in Venezuela as coordination efforts intensify.
Rising casualties and ongoing aftershocks
Rodríguez confirmed that at least 164 people have been killed and around 1,000 injured in the Venezuela earthquake, with the toll still considered provisional.
Authorities reported around 30 aftershocks following the initial double seismic event.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a 7.2 magnitude quake struck west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a stronger 7.5 magnitude tremor.
Widespread destruction in coastal regions
The worst-hit area appears to be the state of La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas, where the international airport Maiquetía was temporarily closed after sustaining damage.
Significant destruction was also reported in the coastal city of Catia la Mar, where multiple buildings collapsed and widespread power outages left residents in darkness.
Eyewitness accounts described residents searching through rubble with flashlights, calling out for missing relatives.
Casualty estimates could rise sharply
The USGS warned that death toll estimates in the Venezuela earthquake could rise significantly, with models suggesting fatalities could reach into the thousands and possibly exceed 10,000 in worst-case scenarios.
An online missing persons platform reportedly listed more than 10,000 people unaccounted for in the aftermath of the disaster.
The earthquake struck during a public holiday, meaning most residents were at home when the tremors hit.
Ongoing emergency response efforts
Authorities continue to coordinate emergency response operations as search and rescue teams work against time to locate survivors trapped in collapsed structures.
International assistance is expected to play a key role in supporting overwhelmed local emergency services in the coming days.
Also read: “Earthquake doublet”: The rare phenomenon that struck Venezuela
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