LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) – In northern Venezuela, communities engaged in frantic rescue operations on Thursday following a pair of powerful earthquakes that struck the area on Wednesday night. The earthquakes, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, resulted in official reports indicating over 235 fatalities and approximately 4,300 injuries, as stated by Health Minister Carlos Alvarado. Rescue efforts face significant challenges, with thousands more reported missing, raising concerns that the death toll could continue to rise.
The seismic events, among the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century, were felt throughout the region and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Many residents in La Guaira, north of Caracas, experienced severe losses, with buildings reduced to rubble and streets torn apart. Dramatic rescue operations were ongoing, with some individuals rescued from beneath collapsed structures. However, initial reports indicated a lack of government rescue teams outside the capital.
The impacts of the quakes were visible throughout La Guaira, where families were seen posting missing-person flyers, and residents used makeshift lists to help locate loved ones. The closure of the main airport due to damages complicated rescue and aid efforts. One resident, Cristian Carreño, described the devastation as he surveyed the wreckage of his apartment building, fearing that people might still be trapped inside.
Amid the chaos, Venezuelans have shown resilience, helping each other amidst the destruction. Retired schoolteacher Juan Alberto Mendaño recounted his harrowing experience of spotting a woman trapped beneath the debris, encapsulating the urgent and desperate nature of the rescue operations. Citizens expressed frustration at the government's slow response, with some questioning the absence of promised heavy machinery for excavations.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who took office following Nicolás Maduro’s capture, declared a state of emergency on Wednesday night and announced a $200 million fund to assist with reconstruction efforts. In her address, she called upon businesses to make construction resources available for rescue operations, emphasizing the need to save as many lives as possible.
Geophysicists highlighted that the quakes were exacerbated by their shallow depths, which amplified the destruction. The earthquakes were centered near Moron, approximately 170 kilometers west of Caracas. Such a strong seismic event is rare in Venezuela, which lies near various fault lines but typically experiences less frequent and intense earthquakes compared to other Latin American regions.
International response has emerged, with countries like Mexico, Canada, Spain, and Brazil pledging assistance. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the United States would deploy relief efforts, despite logistical challenges stemming from the airport closure. Rescue teams and aid flights from neighboring nations, including El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, arrived in Venezuela to bolster support for recovery initiatives.
The tragedy has mobilized the Venezuelan diaspora, with individuals abroad contributing donations to assist those affected by the disaster. Community solidarity was evident as expatriates organized efforts to provide aid to their fellow citizens during this challenging time.
As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on locating survivors and addressing the immediate needs of the affected populations. The impending recovery will require cooperation and resources, both domestically and from international partners, to rebuild communities and restore a sense of normalcy following this devastating natural disaster.
