Venezuela earthquakes: frantic search for survivors continues, with 235 confirmed dead so far
At least 235 people have died and over 4,000 were injured after two powerful earthquakes (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) struck northern Venezuela. A US military official has arrived to coordinate relief as rescue efforts are hampered by damaged infrastructure.
Rescue workers and residents across northern Venezuela continue digging through rubble in a desperate search for survivors following the most powerful earthquakes to hit the country in over a century. The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced that Marine Corps Maj Gen Kevin Jarrard has arrived in Caracas to oversee American relief operations and coordinate with local teams.
The twin earthquakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck less than 40 seconds apart on Wednesday evening, killing at least 235 people and injuring over 4,000. Authorities fear the death toll could rise significantly as thousands remain missing. The coastal state of La Guaira, home to the country's main airport, suffered the heaviest damage and casualties, with rows of high-rise apartment buildings reduced to rubble.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that more than 100 buildings collapsed in La Guaira alone, including the Ritasol Palace apartment block and the seafront Eduard's Hotel. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and announced a $200 million reconstruction fund for damaged hospitals and homes. She appealed to businesses to provide heavy construction equipment for rescue operations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Defense Department would help deploy search and rescue teams, but the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport due to damage has complicated aid delivery. Rubio stressed that the next 72 "golden" hours are critical for finding survivors.
