CARACAS: The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela has risen to at least 235, authorities said Thursday, as rescuers raced to find survivors beneath collapsed buildings and governments around the world mobilized humanitarian assistance.
Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said the number of confirmed deaths had increased from the previously reported 188, while more than 1,500 people were injured in Wednesday’s back-to-back earthquakes. Hundreds of people remain unaccounted for, with officials warning the toll is expected to rise.
The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck within a minute of each other near Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, causing widespread destruction across northern parts of the country. The shallow depth and successive tremors amplified the devastation, experts said.
The coastal state of La Guaira, home to Venezuela’s main international airport, suffered some of the heaviest damage. The airport was closed after sustaining structural damage, complicating relief operations, while power outages, disrupted communications and suspended public transport affected parts of the capital, Caracas.
Rescue operations intensify
