Two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on Thursday (local time), devasting much of the country and with the death toll rising to at least 235. Thousands more are expected to be affected as rescue workers and volunteers continue to desperately search for survivors in the country’s north.Two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, struck within a minute of each other on Wednesday night, causing widespread damage around Caracas and along the coast, especially La Guaira.According to Reuters, at least 1,500 people were injured, about 200 people are still trapped under collapsed buildings, and about 250 buildings were damaged or destroyed.A website that tracks missing persons lists more than 46,000 people as missing, but this number cannot be independently verified.Acting President Delcy Rodriguez described La Guaira as a “disaster zone” and said authorities were bringing in heavy machinery from private companies to speed up rescue operations.She called on businesses to provide construction equipment and said officials wanted to “save as many survivors as possible.”
Survivors still trapped, rescue operations stepped up
However, residents complained that official rescue efforts were slow, with many relying on neighbors to dig through the rubble with their bare hands.“I want to know where my child is, if he is trapped or in a shelter,” Dayana Delgado, a mother of three, told The Associated Press as she searches for her missing eight-year-old son.The disaster disrupted essential services, with power outages reported in several areas, the main airport in La Guaira, Caracas, closed, metro services suspended and schools converted into shelters.The U.S. Geological Survey said the shallow depth and succession of the quakes greatly increased the damage.USGS forecast models suggest the final death toll could rise into the thousands.
Global aid and disaster relief efforts gather pace
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, while deploying disaster response teams and urban search and rescue forces.The U.S. military also announced it would send two warships, transport planes and helicopters to support rescue operations, while the Treasury Department temporarily eased sanctions until October 23 to facilitate earthquake-related aid.The United Nations is coordinating international search and rescue teams, and aid chief Tom Fletcher said a “massive collective effort” was needed.According to Reuters, Starlink announced that it will provide free satellite Internet services in affected areas for a month and deploy more terminals to restore communications.Several countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Spain, France, Italy, Ecuador, Panama and El Salvador, have sent or pledged to send rescue teams, medical personnel, search and rescue dogs, aircraft and emergency equipment.Prime Minister Modi also expressed his condolences over the tragedy and offered his support. “Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquake in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of India, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Venezuela, especially the families who have lost their loved ones. We pray for a speedy recovery for the injured and stand with all those affected during this difficult time. India stands ready to provide all possible assistance,” he wrote on X.Pope Leo XIV has also donated 100,000 euros to relief efforts, while World Central Kitchen has begun distributing meals in Caracas and has pledged an additional $1 million in aid.Despite the large number of casualties, Venezuela’s critical oil infrastructure appears to have suffered no major damage, allowing energy operations to continue largely undisturbed.
