Rescuers and volunteers continued to search for survivors in northern Venezuela on Thursday (local time) after two powerful earthquakes devastated large parts of the country, bringing the death toll to at least 235 and thousands feared affected.Twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck within a minute of each other on Wednesday evening, causing massive destruction in Caracas and coastal areas, especially around La Guaira.According to Reuters, at least 1,500 people were injured, about 200 were trapped under collapsed buildings, and about 250 buildings were damaged or destroyed.A website tracking missing people lists more than 46,000 people as unaccounted for, although this figure could not be independently verified.Acting President Delcy Rodriguez described La Guaira as a “disaster area” and said authorities were bringing in heavy machinery from private companies to speed up rescue operations.He appealed to businesses to provide construction equipment and said authorities hoped to rescue “as many survivors as possible.”
Rescue operations have intensified as survivors remain trapped
However, residents complained that official rescue efforts were slow, with many relying on neighbors to dig out debris with their bare hands.“I want to know where my child is, whether he’s stranded or in a shelter,” Dayna Delgado, a mother of three, told news agency AP as she searched for her missing eight-year-old son.The disaster has disrupted essential services, with power outages reported in many areas, Caracas’ main airport in La Guaira closed, metro services suspended and schools turned into shelters.The US Geological Survey said the shallow depth and frequent nature of the earthquakes greatly increased the destruction.USGS predictive modeling suggested that the final death toll could rise into the thousands.
Global aid and relief efforts have intensified
Governments and humanitarian organizations around the world have begun mobilizing rescue teams, funds and emergency supplies.The United States has authorized $150 million in humanitarian assistance, including funding for United Nations agencies and aid organizations deploying disaster response teams and urban search-and-rescue units.The US military also announced it was sending two warships, transport aircraft and helicopters to aid in relief efforts, while the Treasury temporarily relaxed restrictions until October 23 to facilitate earthquake-related assistance.The United Nations is coordinating international search and rescue teams, with aid chief Tom Fletcher saying a “massive collective effort” will be required.According to Reuters, Starlink announced it would provide free satellite internet service for a month in the affected areas and deployed additional terminals to restore communications.Several countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Spain, France, Italy, Ecuador, Panama and El Salvador, have sent or promised to send rescue teams, medical personnel, search dogs, aircraft and emergency equipment.PM Modi also expressed grief over the tragedy and offered support. “Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the massive earthquake in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of India, I express my heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially the families who have lost their loved ones. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time. India is ready to provide all possible assistance”, he wrote on Twitter.Pope Leo XIV has also donated €100,000 to relief efforts, while World Central Kitchen has begun distributing food in Caracas and has pledged an additional $1 million in aid.Despite widespread human damage, Venezuela’s critical oil infrastructure has escaped major damage, allowing energy operations to continue largely uninterrupted.