Venezuela is witnessing one of the deadliest natural disasters in its modern history after the official death toll from the twin earthquakes rose sharply to 235. Rescue teams are continuing round-the-clock operations as hundreds remain buried beneath collapsed buildings across the country’s worst-hit regions.
The Health Ministry confirmed on Thursday evening that at least 235 people have died following the devastating earthquakes, while authorities warned the number could increase as search teams reach more affected areas.
Hundreds Feared Trapped Under Debris
Emergency officials say around 200 people are still believed to be trapped beneath collapsed buildings, making the ongoing rescue mission a race against time.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said, “We are racing against time in the hope of rescuing as many people as possible.”
Rescue personnel equipped with heavy machinery and specialised equipment continue to search through rubble despite difficult conditions and repeated aftershocks.
Twin Powerful Quakes Caused Widespread Destruction
The disaster was triggered by two shallow earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude that struck just 40 seconds apart on Wednesday.
Seismologists said both earthquakes occurred at a depth of around 10 kilometres, allowing the seismic energy to be released close to the surface and causing catastrophic damage.
The tremors, regarded as the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century, devastated parts of the country’s central coast and the capital, Caracas. Buildings collapsed, roads were damaged, and power and communication services were disrupted across several regions.
Government Announces Emergency Relief Measures
As rescue operations continue, authorities have launched emergency measures to speed up relief and reconstruction.
The government has ordered the deployment of heavy debris-removal equipment from private companies, established a USD 200 million emergency assistance fund, and announced special credit facilities for businesses affected by the disaster.
Officials are also coordinating humanitarian assistance from several countries that have offered rescue teams, medical aid and emergency relief supplies.
Aftershocks Continue to Threaten Rescue Efforts
Repeated aftershocks have increased the risk of further building collapses, making rescue operations more dangerous.
Experts noted that Venezuela has not experienced a major earthquake of this scale in nearly five decades, while concerns have also been raised over the vulnerability of ageing infrastructure.
With hundreds still missing and emergency teams continuing to search damaged neighbourhoods, authorities fear the death toll could rise further in the coming days as more victims are recovered from beneath the rubble.
