The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, struck within a minute of each other on Wednesday evening.
Rescue workers and volunteers continued a desperate search for survivors in northern Venezuela on Thursday (local time) after two powerful earthquakes devastated large parts of the country, with the death toll rising to at least 235 and thousands more feared to be affected.The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, struck about a minute apart from each other on Wednesday evening, causing widespread devastation around Caracas and coastal areas, especially La Guaira.According to Reuters, at least 1,500 people were injured, about 200 people are still trapped under collapsed buildings, and nearly 250 buildings were damaged or destroyed.A website that tracks missing persons lists more than 46,000 people as missing, although this number cannot be independently verified.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez described the La Guaira area as a “disaster zone” and said that the authorities were bringing in heavy machinery from private companies to speed up rescue operations.She appealed to companies to provide construction equipment, saying officials hoped to “save as many neighborhoods as possible.”
Rescue operations intensified as survivors remained trapped
However, residents complained about the slowness of official rescue efforts, with many relying on neighbors to dig through the rubble with their bare hands.
“I want to know where my child is, and whether he is trapped or in a shelter,” Diana Delgado, a mother of three, told the Associated Press while searching for her missing eight-year-old son.
The disaster disrupted basic services, with power outages reported in several areas, Caracas’ main airport in La Guaira closed, metro services suspended, and schools converted into shelters.The USGS said the shallow depth and staggered nature of the quakes greatly exacerbated the devastation.USGS predictive modeling indicated the final death toll could rise into the thousands.
Global aid and relief efforts are accelerating
Governments and humanitarian organizations around the world have begun mobilizing rescue teams, funding and emergency supplies.The United States has allocated $150 million in humanitarian aid, including funding for UN agencies and relief organizations, with the deployment of disaster response teams and search and rescue units in urban areas.The US military also announced that it would send two warships, transport aircraft and helicopters to support relief operations, while the Treasury Department temporarily eased sanctions until October 23 to facilitate earthquake-related assistance.The United Nations is coordinating international search and rescue teams, with relief official Tom Fletcher saying it requires a “huge collective effort.”Starlink announced that it will provide free satellite internet service in the affected areas for a month and will deploy additional stations to restore communications, according to Reuters.Several countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Spain, France, Italy, Ecuador, Panama and El Salvador, have sent or pledged rescue teams, medical personnel, search dogs, aircraft and emergency equipment.Prime Minister Modi also expressed his condolences over the tragedy and extended support. “I am deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the violent earthquakes in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of India, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Venezuela, especially to the families who 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.”Pope LeoDespite the heavy human toll, Venezuela’s critical oil infrastructure appears to have escaped major damage, allowing energy operations to continue largely uninterrupted.
