The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to 188, while more than 1,520 people have suffered injuries. Rescue workers continue to search for survivors as emergency teams race against time in the worst-hit areas.
National Assembly leader Jorge Rodriguez confirmed the updated casualty figures on Thursday as authorities expanded relief and rescue operations across the affected regions.
Twin Earthquakes Cause Widespread Destruction
Two strong earthquakes struck northern Venezuela within one minute of each other on Wednesday night. According to the US Geological Survey, the first earthquake measured 7.2 magnitude, while the second reached 7.5 magnitude.
The powerful tremors caused widespread destruction. Several buildings collapsed, trapping people under piles of debris. Many coastal communities also suffered extensive damage as emergency crews worked to clear rubble and rescue survivors.
Government Steps Up Relief Operations
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez travelled to La Guaira state on Thursday, one of the areas hit hardest by the earthquakes. She visited the disaster zone to assess the damage and oversee relief efforts. Her brother, National Assembly leader Jorge Rodriguez, said she was fully focused on helping affected communities. “attending to the tremendous disaster zone” during a televised address.
Emergency teams continue to provide medical assistance, clear damaged buildings and deliver essential supplies to displaced families.
Looting Reported in Disaster-Hit Areas
The disaster also triggered incidents of looting in parts of La Guaira. AFP journalists reported that a supermarket in the town of Catia La Mar was partially burned during the unrest. They also saw men and women leaving the building carrying bags filled with goods.
Authorities continue to monitor the security situation while rescue operations remain the top priority.
Spain Sends Rescue Teams and Humanitarian Aid
Several countries have started supporting Venezuela's emergency response. Spain announced that it had deployed rescue teams, military specialists, emergency workers from Madrid and members of its international cooperation agency. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain sent a rescue aircraft after speaking with Delcy Rodriguez.
Spain's Defence Ministry said the 54-member military rescue team includes specially trained search dogs, rescue cameras and geophones. These tools help crews detect people trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Emergency Supplies Reach Venezuela
Humanitarian aid has also started arriving in the earthquake-hit regions. Relief shipments include blankets, sleeping mats and water purification tablets. Spain's cooperation agency has also offered a field hospital and financial assistance to support ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
Spain Expresses Support for Venezuela
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed sympathy for the victims and their families after speaking with Venezuela's interim president. He said he had conveyed to Rodriguez “Spain’s solidarity with the Venezuelan people and our affection for the victims and their families”.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares also assured Venezuela of Spain's continued support. He said he had promised Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil that “Spain will stand by your side throughout this process.”
As rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings, authorities fear the number of casualties could rise further in one of Venezuela's deadliest natural disasters in recent years.