Venezuela is grappling with widespread devastation after a series of powerful earthquakes struck the country, leaving at least 188 people dead and 971 others injured. The casualty figures were announced by acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez early on Thursday as rescue teams continued their search for survivors amid extensive destruction. Authorities fear the death toll could rise further as emergency workers sift through collapsed buildings and damaged structures across affected regions. Large-scale rescue and relief operations remain underway, with several areas still being assessed for casualties and damage.
Over 30 aftershocks shake region
Providing an update on the situation, Rodriguez said the country has experienced at least 30 aftershocks since the initial earthquakes struck, creating additional challenges for rescue teams and residents. According to media reports, the acting president is coordinating with the United Nations to facilitate the deployment of international rescue personnel and humanitarian assistance.
In an interview with Venezuela's state broadcaster, Rodriguez also revealed that discussions are underway with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding the creation of an emergency reconstruction fund worth USD 200 million to support recovery efforts.
Twin earthquakes trigger massive destruction
The powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela during the early hours of Thursday, causing extensive damage in several regions, including the capital city of Caracas. Buildings were reduced to rubble in some areas, while critical infrastructure suffered severe damage. Images emerging from affected locations showed rescue workers racing against time to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures. The back-to-back tremors are being described as the strongest seismic events to hit the South American nation in nearly a century.
Interior Minister Cabello urges people to stay outdoors
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the earthquakes were felt across several Venezuelan states. He noted that the Altamira district of Caracas had experienced serious damage, with a number of homes and buildings collapsing. He urged residents to stay outdoors as aftershocks could cause further structural damage.
Cabello also indicated that some people may have been injured in the disaster and appealed to drivers to keep roads clear for ambulances and emergency response teams.
"We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it the most," Cabello said on state television. "Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed."
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