Rescue teams and desperate residents continued searching through collapsed buildings across northern Venezuela on Thursday after two powerful earthquakes killed at least 235 people and left thousands injured.
The twin earthquakes, measured by the United States Geological Survey at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck less than a minute apart on Wednesday night, reducing buildings to rubble, cracking roads and leaving widespread destruction in their wake.
Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said the death toll had risen to at least 235, while approximately 4,300 people sustained injuries. Strong aftershocks continued to shake affected communities on Thursday, complicating rescue operations.
In the worst-hit state of La Guaira, north of the capital, Caracas, rescue efforts continued amid scenes of devastation. Survivors and emergency workers struggled to reach people trapped beneath collapsed structures as heavy equipment remained in short supply.
In one heartbreaking incident, residents listened helplessly as a young girl cried for help from beneath the rubble for several hours.
“We need people… military personnel, to come and help so we can get her out,” resident Dani Rizo, 48, pleaded.
The girl later died before rescuers could reach her, local residents told AFP.
Elsewhere in La Guaira, voices could still be heard beneath the remains of another collapsed building.
“They’re still alive… There’s nothing more we can do,” resident Antonio Bermudez said. “We don’t have any tools. We have no way to help.”
A doctor at Domingo Luciani Hospital, who requested anonymity, said ambulances were bringing in children rescued from the rubble, many of them unaccompanied.
“Some children are able to give their names, while others arrive with identification tape on their arms,” the doctor said.
A rescue worker also described the operation as extremely challenging due to a shortage of trained personnel and limited technical equipment.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez visited La Guaira after authorities declared the state a disaster zone. AFP journalists also witnessed incidents of looting at a supermarket in the city as residents struggled to access essential supplies.
Nicole Kast, head of the International Rescue Committee in Venezuela, described the humanitarian situation as catastrophic.
Meanwhile, international support continued to grow, with Switzerland, Spain, France, Portugal and Mexico deploying rescue specialists and emergency teams to assist the country.
The United States announced it was sending two warships, transport aircraft and helicopters, alongside an emergency aid package worth $150 million.
“We have a whole-of-government response. It’ll be big, it’ll be fast, and it’ll be effective,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
Washington has remained closely involved in Venezuela since US forces removed and arrested former President Nicolas Maduro in January.
China, India, Brazil and Iran also offered assistance, while Pope Leo XIV donated an initial €100,000 to support relief efforts.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply saddened” by the disaster, while UN emergency relief chief Tom Fletcher warned that responding to the strongest earthquake to hit Venezuela in 126 years would require “massive collective efforts.”
Relief operations are expected to face additional challenges after the international airport in La Guaira was forced to close because of severe structural damage.
Authorities also confirmed that the victims include two Brazilian citizens, two Chinese nationals, one Italian and one Portuguese citizen.
