Death Toll from Venezuela Earthquakes Rises to 188 as Rescue Efforts Continue

CARACAS, Venezuela — At least 188 people have been confirmed dead and more than 1,500 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela in quick succession, causing widespread destruction and triggering a major humanitarian emergency.

Venezuelan authorities said more than 200 people remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings as emergency workers continue search-and-rescue operations across the worst-hit communities.

The earthquakes, which struck late Wednesday, caused extensive damage in the capital, Caracas, and the neighbouring coastal state of La Guaira, where dozens of buildings collapsed, according to reports.

Officials said at least 250 structures sustained damage, while more than 100 buildings were completely destroyed in La Guaira alone.

Rescue Operations Intensify

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez described the disaster as a national tragedy, saying emergency personnel were working around the clock to locate survivors and provide assistance to affected communities.

Search-and-rescue teams have been deployed across the disaster zone, while authorities warned that the death toll could increase as crews gain access to heavily damaged areas.

The earthquakes severely disrupted critical infrastructure, triggering widespread power outages, burst water pipelines and communication failures.

Large parts of Caracas remained without electricity on Thursday, while water supplies were interrupted in several northern states.

Authorities also suspended rail and metro services to facilitate rescue operations and closed Simón Bolívar International Airport after it sustained significant structural damage. Schools across affected areas were ordered to remain closed for the rest of the week.

Families Search for Missing Loved Ones

The human toll of the disaster has become increasingly evident as stories emerge from hospitals and emergency shelters.

At the Universidad Central de Venezuela clinic in Caracas, relatives of 10-year-old Efraín Lucena said the boy was rescued from a collapsed building in La Guaira and is in stable condition.

Family members said doctors are treating severe injuries to one of his legs and are assessing whether amputation may be necessary.

According to relatives, the child’s mother managed to push him through a window to safety before becoming trapped beneath the rubble, where she later died. Another member of the family remains missing.

Across several affected communities, residents joined emergency workers in searching through collapsed buildings for missing relatives and neighbours.

Infrastructure Challenges Hamper Response

Rescue efforts have been complicated by Venezuela’s longstanding infrastructure challenges, including unreliable electricity, deteriorating public services and limited healthcare capacity.

Residents in some of the hardest-hit communities reported beginning rescue operations themselves shortly after the earthquakes, saying emergency assistance was initially slow to arrive.

Experts said the destruction was intensified because the two earthquakes struck within a short period of one another, amplifying ground shaking across vulnerable areas.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned that many buildings in the affected region were constructed with materials highly susceptible to earthquake damage, increasing the likelihood of structural collapse and contributing to the high casualty count.

The worst damage was reported in densely populated districts of Caracas and La Guaira, where residential buildings, commercial centres and homes were reduced to rubble.

Authorities also expressed concern over informal hillside settlements, where poorly constructed buildings face a greater risk of collapse during seismic events.

International Aid Begins Arriving

International support has begun mobilising as Venezuela announced that rescue teams and humanitarian assistance are expected from several countries, including the United States, Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and Qatar.

Authorities said the priority remains locating survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures, while humanitarian agencies prepare to assist thousands of displaced residents.

Emergency officials warned that the death toll is likely to rise further as rescue teams continue searching through the debris in severely affected areas.

Also Read: Mohamed Salah Reacts After Inspiring Egypt to Historic First-Ever World Cup Victory

admin

A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.