More than 900 people have died and 3,360 others have been injured due to two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela, according to government reports. The quakes struck within seconds of each other on Wednesday, with the second measuring 7.5 in magnitude, marking one of the strongest tremors to hit the country in a century.
La Guaira, a region north of the capital Caracas, was hit hardest by the earthquakes. Hundreds of international rescue workers have arrived in the country, with more teams on the way. Many families are still anxiously waiting for news of missing loved ones, as rescue operations continue.
National Assembly head Jorge Rodriguez announced on state television that the death toll has reached 920, with at least 172 individuals still believed to be trapped under the rubble. In La Guaira alone, at least 243 people have been rescued, providing some hope amid the devastation.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez reported that there have been 214 aftershocks since the initial quakes. Hundreds of buildings, including hospitals and shopping centers, have been damaged or destroyed, overwhelming the surviving medical facilities. Medical professionals have expressed concern about the dire state of healthcare, with Dr.
Pedro Javier Fernandez stating that hospitals were already struggling with supplies before the disaster.
Rescue efforts have faced significant challenges due to disrupted communications, damaged roads, and a lack of resources. A UK military flight carrying search and rescue teams, dogs, and drones has departed for Venezuela, while the United States has deployed warships and announced $150 million in aid to support the recovery efforts.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher emphasized the need for a coordinated international response, assuring Venezuelans that help is on the way. A notable morale boost came from the rescue of three siblings from the rubble, a moment captured on state television that resonated deeply with the nation.
