A powerful Venezuela earthquake has killed at least 235 people and injured nearly 1,000 others after twin quakes struck areas west of Caracas on Wednesday evening.
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, caused widespread destruction across several regions, with the northern coastal state of La Guaira suffering the worst damage. Authorities declared La Guaira a disaster area as rescue teams continued searching for people trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
In the coastal city of Catia La Mar, residents described scenes of devastation as dozens of buildings crumbled.
“It was terrible. Everything collapsed,” said 39-year-old Yilsmaris Blanco, who survived the disaster. She said many families were still waiting for news about relatives believed to be trapped under the rubble.
Authorities have not yet released figures for the number of missing people, but reports of residents trapped inside damaged buildings continue to emerge from across the country.
Larry Rojas, whose family remains trapped inside a collapsed apartment block, said residents desperately need heavy machinery and technical assistance to reach survivors.
Large parts of La Guaira remained without electricity, forcing many residents to spend the night outdoors amid fears of aftershocks.
Rescue workers worked through the night in darkness, searching collapsed structures while anxious residents called out the names of missing loved ones. Emergency teams said they urgently need additional equipment and specialist support to continue operations.
Jose Pacheco, operations chief of the United Rescue Group of Venezuela, said he had never witnessed destruction on such a scale during his three decades of service.
Residents also reported severe shortages of water and essential supplies as emergency crews struggled to reach some affected areas.
Authorities have urged people to remain alert for aftershocks while rescue and relief efforts continue in the hardest-hit regions.