Rescuers in Venezuela continued digging through collapsed buildings on Thursday after back-to-back earthquakes killed at least 235 people and injured more than 4,300, with thousands still missing.
The twin quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.0, struck on Wednesday evening near Morón on the Caribbean coast, making them among the strongest in over a century. La Guaira, north of Caracas, suffered the heaviest damage, with the country’s main airport closed due to structural failures. Families posted missing-person flyers while residents dug through rubble themselves, demanding heavy machinery promised by officials.
Heartbreaking scenes unfolded as parents searched for children, while moments of hope emerged when survivors were pulled out alive from collapsed buildings. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and announced a $200 million reconstruction fund for hospitals and homes.
International aid poured in despite logistical challenges. The United States pledged immediate assistance, while rescue teams from Chile, Switzerland, Turkey, Mexico, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic arrived with personnel, supplies, and search dogs. Venezuelans abroad also mobilised donations to support relief efforts.
