Venezuela earthquake rescue operations continued at full pace on Thursday as emergency teams searched through the rubble of collapsed buildings following a powerful double earthquake that killed at least 235 people.
Authorities said the toll is expected to rise as search efforts continue in heavily damaged areas, particularly in the state of La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas.
Dozens still missing as rescue efforts intensify
Health Minister Carlos Alvarado confirmed that at least 235 people were brought to medical facilities, either already deceased or without vital signs upon arrival.
Officials also reported more than 1,500 injured, although a full breakdown of casualties has not yet been released.
Rescue teams and civilians are continuing desperate efforts to locate survivors trapped beneath debris, with several areas still inaccessible due to the scale of destruction.
Severe destruction across coastal and urban areas
The worst-hit region is La Guaira, home to the Simón Bolívar International Airport, which was forced to close due to damage.
In the coastal city of Catia la Mar, multiple buildings collapsed, leaving residents searching for missing family members amid unstable structures and rubble.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, with residents jumping from buildings as structures gave way during the quake.
International aid mobilisation
International assistance is beginning to arrive, with the United States pledging rapid support and deploying rescue teams, aircraft and naval assets to assist operations.
Brazil confirmed it is sending aid, while China, India, European countries, Latin American states and Iran have also pledged support efforts.
The US State Department said $150 million has been allocated for emergency assistance through partner organisations.
State of emergency declared
Venezuelan authorities declared a state of emergency shortly after the twin earthquakes, which measured 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude and struck within seconds of each other.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the second quake is the strongest to hit the country since at least 1900.
The first tremor struck at a depth of 21.9 kilometres, followed seconds later by a shallower and more powerful quake at 10 kilometres depth.
Widespread disruption and humanitarian concerns
Power outages, transport disruption, and isolated reports of looting have further complicated rescue efforts.
Many residents spent the night outdoors amid fears of aftershocks, while authorities warned of additional risks to damaged infrastructure.
The United Nations said millions were already in need of humanitarian assistance in Venezuela prior to the disaster, raising concerns about the scale of the crisis now unfolding.
Also read: “Earthquake doublet”: The rare phenomenon that struck Venezuela
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