Powerful Earthquakes Devastate Venezuela, Death Toll Rises Amid Rescue Efforts

Rescue workers and volunteers continued a desperate search for survivors across 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 affected. The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within a minute of each other on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction around Caracas and coastal regions, particularly La Guaira. According to Reuters, at least 1,500 people have been injured, around 200 remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings, and roughly 250 buildings have been damaged or destroyed. A website tracking missing people listed more than 46,000 individuals as unaccounted for, though the figure could not be independently verified. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez described La Guaira as a "disaster zone" and said authorities were bringing in heavy machinery from private companies to speed up rescue operations. She appealed to businesses to make construction equipment available, saying officials hoped "to rescue as many living people as possible."

Residents, however, complained that official rescue efforts were slow, with many relying on neighbours to dig through rubble using their bare hands. "I want to know where my child is, if he's trapped or in a shelter," Dayana Delgado, mother of three children, told news agency AP while searching for her missing eight-year-old son. The disaster has disrupted essential services, with power outages reported in several areas, the closure of Caracas' main airport in La Guaira, suspension of metro services and schools being converted into shelters. The US Geological Survey said the shallow depth and back-to-back nature of the quakes significantly amplified the destruction. USGS predictive modelling suggested the final death toll could rise into the thousands.

Governments and humanitarian organisations worldwide have begun mobilising rescue teams, funding and emergency supplies. The United States has authorised $150 million in humanitarian assistance, including funding for UN agencies and aid organisations, while deploying disaster response teams and urban search-and-rescue units. The US military also announced it was sending two warships, transport aircraft and helicopters to support relief operations, while the Treasury temporarily eased sanctions until October 23 to facilitate earthquake-related assistance. The United Nations is coordinating international search-and-rescue teams, with aid chief Tom Fletcher saying a "massive collective effort" would be required. Starlink announced it would provide free satellite internet service in affected areas for a month and deploy additional terminals to restore communications, according to Reuters. Several countries, including Mexico, Colombia, Spain, France, Italy, Ecuador, Panama and El Salvador, have dispatched or pledged rescue teams, medical personnel, search dogs, aircraft and emergency equipment. PM Modi also expressed condolences on the tragedy and offered support. “Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe 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 have lost their loved ones. We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance”, he wrote on X. Pope Leo XIV has also donated €100,000 for relief efforts, while World Central Kitchen has begun distributing meals in Caracas and pledged an additional $1 million in assistance. Despite the extensive human toll, Venezuela's critical oil infrastructure appears to have escaped major damage, allowing energy operations to continue largely uninterrupted.