Venezuela Grapples with Devastating Aftershocks as Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 235

Venezuela witnessed powerful aftershocks on Thursday as Health Minister Carlos Alvarado reported that the death toll had risen from 188 to at least 235.

Desperate Venezuelans raced to the damaged sites to find and rescue loved ones trapped alive beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings after two major earthquakes in the capital.

The United States Geological Survey measured the twin earthquakes at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 that hit northern Venezuela within less than a minute of each other on Wednesday night.

The powerful tremors left more than 1,500 people injured as the earth shook and roared in what many Venezuelans called a terrifying display of nature's raw power.

"Unfortunately we have received around 235 patients who arrive without vital signs or die when they arrive at our health facilities," Alvarado said.

Global rescue teams on way

A rescue worker, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told AFP conditions were precarious, with a shortage of trained personal and significant technical limitations.

Interim president Delcy Rodriguez visited La Guaira on Thursday after the area was declared a "disaster zone."

Offers of rescue support poured in from around the world, with Switzerland, India, Spain, France, Portugal and Mexico among those sending specialists and rescue teams to Venezuela.

The US said it was deploying two warships, transport planes and helicopters as well as mobilizing $150 million in aid. "We have a whole-of-government response. It'll be big, it'll be fast, and it'll be effective," said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Venezuela's director of the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Nicole Kast, described the situation as 'catastrophic'.

UN chief Antonio Guterres reacted to the situation saying that he was "deeply saddened" by the disaster as the global body vowed to assist Venezuela.

Foreign help arrives

Rescue personnel from El Salvador and Mexico arrived in Venezuela on Friday to provide assistance in search operations.

188 rescuers from El Salvador arrived in the country, along with supplies, to join the search, rescue, and assistance efforts for the families affected by the tragedy of June 24, the interim leader said in a post on X.

Later, Rodríguez informed that the the rescue personnel from Mexico have also arrived in Venezuela, along with supplies, to support the search efforts for survivors and the care of families affected by the earthquakes.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared glimpses of US SOUTHCOM arrival in Venezuela with several leaders of the wing set to assist in rescue operations in the tremor-hit nation.

US Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas, Venezuela to oversee Department of War support to Venezuela earthquake relief efforts, the Army said in a statement, adding that Jarrard is serving as the senior US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) official on the ground and is working closely with partners to plan, coordinate, and direct the US military’s "unparalleled logistical and operational capabilities" to support the rapid, life-saving movement of response personnel, equipment, and humanitarian assistance into affected areas.

"The interim Government of Venezuela formally requested U.S. support following the earthquakes," the statement said.

The US military forces are said to utilize fixed and rotor wing aircraft to provide specialized mobility services and assist US government personnel, search and rescue teams, and partners assessing damage and delivering critical life-saving assistance.