Death Toll Rises to 188 as Venezuela Continues Desperate Search for Earthquake Survivors

Rescue teams in Venezuela continued a race against time on Friday as they searched through the rubble of collapsed buildings for survivors following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country’s northern coastal region. The confirmed death toll has risen to 188, while more than 1,500 people have been injured and hundreds remain missing, according to government officials. Authorities fear the number of casualties could increase as emergency workers gain access to heavily damaged areas.

The twin earthquakes caused widespread destruction across several towns, with La Guaira state emerging as one of the worst-hit regions. Homes, apartment buildings, schools and public infrastructure were severely damaged or reduced to rubble, leaving thousands of residents homeless. Rescue personnel, aided by volunteers and members of the armed forces, worked tirelessly using heavy machinery, sniffer dogs and specialised equipment to locate people trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Survivors described scenes of panic as buildings shook violently, forcing people to flee into the streets. Many families spent the night outdoors, fearing aftershocks that continued to rattle the region. Emergency shelters have been established to accommodate displaced residents, while medical teams are treating the injured in hospitals and temporary field clinics.

The disaster has also disrupted electricity, communications and road connectivity in several affected areas, complicating relief and rescue operations. Authorities said damaged roads and unstable buildings have slowed the movement of emergency personnel and humanitarian supplies. Despite these challenges, search-and-rescue operations are continuing around the clock, with officials expressing hope that more survivors may still be found.

President Nicolás Maduro declared a national emergency and pledged full government support for relief efforts. He visited the affected areas to assess the extent of the damage and assured residents that all available resources would be deployed for rescue, rehabilitation and reconstruction. The government has also appealed for international assistance to help strengthen ongoing humanitarian operations.

Countries across Latin America and international organisations have expressed solidarity with Venezuela and offered assistance in the aftermath of the disaster. Relief agencies are mobilising emergency supplies, including food, drinking water, medicines and temporary shelter materials for those affected.