Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs to 235, injured 1,500

Venezuela is grappling with one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history after a series of powerful earthquakes devastated large parts of the country, leaving at least 235 people dead and more than 1,500 injured.

Authorities said two major earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck in quick succession, causing widespread destruction across several regions, including the capital, Caracas. Emergency teams are racing against time to search for survivors amid fears that hundreds of people may still be trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

The scale of the disaster continues to unfold as rescue workers comb through mountains of rubble in heavily affected areas. Cranes, bulldozers, and search dogs have been deployed to assist in recovery operations, while hospitals remain overwhelmed by the growing number of casualties.

Venezuela’s acting president confirmed the latest death and injury figures and warned that the toll could rise further as rescue efforts continue. Officials have described the situation as a national emergency, with thousands of families displaced by the powerful tremors.

According to British media reports, nearly 30,000 people are currently missing, raising concerns that the humanitarian crisis could deepen in the coming days. Many residents remain unaccounted for as communication networks and transportation infrastructure struggle to recover from the disaster.

In Caracas, several buildings collapsed during the earthquakes, leaving entire neighborhoods damaged. Survivors described scenes of panic as people rushed into the streets while structures shook violently around them.

The earthquakes also affected critical infrastructure. Caracas International Airport sustained damage, forcing authorities to suspend flight operations temporarily. The closure has complicated relief efforts and disrupted travel for thousands of passengers.

Across the affected regions, many families have been forced to spend nights outdoors, fearing aftershocks and further building collapses. Temporary shelters have been established, but aid agencies say additional resources will be needed to support displaced communities.

The acting president visited the hardest-hit coastal areas to assess the damage firsthand and meet with rescue personnel and survivors. She pledged continued government support and promised that every effort would be made to locate missing individuals and provide assistance to affected families.

As rescue operations continue around the clock, hopes remain that more survivors can be pulled from the debris. However, with hundreds feared trapped and thousands still missing, Venezuela faces an enormous challenge in the aftermath of a catastrophe that has shaken the nation to its core.