Venezuela Twin Earthquakes Toll Rises To 235 As Rescue Teams Search Rubble
Rescue teams and volunteers continued searching through collapsed buildings in Venezuela after twin powerful earthquakes left around 235 people dead, thousands injured, and many others trapped under rubble.
The earthquakes struck west of Caracas, causing heavy damage in the capital region and nearby coastal areas. Officials said medical centres had received around 235 bodies, while more than 4,300 people were reported injured. Around 200 people were believed to be trapped as rescue operations continued.
Twin Quakes Hit Near Caracas
According to earthquake monitoring data, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck first, followed less than a minute later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor. The second quake was among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century.
The back-to-back tremors damaged homes, hospitals, public buildings, and transport infrastructure. Several areas reported power cuts, communication problems, and disrupted public services as aftershocks continued to create fear among residents.
La Guaira Among Worst-Hit Areas
La Guaira, the coastal state near Caracas and home to the capital’s main airport, was one of the worst-affected regions. Authorities described it as a disaster zone after thousands of families were impacted by the destruction.
The Caracas airport was reportedly shut after suffering damage, while residents in several neighbourhoods spent the night outdoors due to fear of further building collapses. Videos shared by witnesses showed damaged structures, fallen ceiling panels and people rushing out of buildings.
Families Search For Missing Relatives
Families gathered near collapsed homes and apartment blocks, waiting for updates about missing relatives. In some areas, volunteers used their hands and basic tools to remove rubble as rescue machinery struggled to reach affected places quickly.
Reports said a missing-person tracking website listed thousands of people as unaccounted for, though those figures were not independently verified. Officials warned that the number of casualties could rise as search teams reached more damaged buildings.
Hospitals And Public Buildings Damaged
Several hospitals were among the buildings reported to have suffered serious damage. The Venezuelan Red Cross headquarters and other key facilities were also affected, increasing pressure on emergency teams already handling large numbers of injured people.
The disaster has added to the challenges facing Venezuela, where years of economic hardship have weakened infrastructure and public services. Rescue efforts were further complicated by damaged roads, patchy electricity, and continuing aftershocks.
International Aid Pledged
Several countries and international organisations have pledged support for Venezuela’s rescue and relief operations. Search-and-rescue teams, medical aid, and emergency supplies are expected to support local authorities in the coming days.
The United Nations said a major collective relief effort would be needed, especially because millions of people in Venezuela were already in need of humanitarian support before the earthquakes. Communication support is also being arranged for affected areas to help families and emergency teams stay connected.
For now, rescue teams remain focused on finding survivors, clearing rubble, and helping families displaced by one of Venezuela’s most destructive earthquakes in recent history.
