Venezuela earthquake: Venezuelans search rubble for survivors as death toll climbs to 188

Venezuela Earthquakes: Death Toll Climbs Past 235 as Rescuers Search Rubble

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, leaving a trail of destruction and a mounting human toll. The quakes, measured at 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, were among the strongest to hit the country in over a century, according to reports from Al Jazeera, BBC – World, South China Morning Post, and The Hindu – World.

Official figures vary on the number of casualties. Venezuela's health authorities said at least 235 people were killed, as reported by Al Jazeera and BBC – World. Other officials cited by the South China Morning Post and The Hindu – World put the death toll at 188. The discrepancy highlights the chaotic nature of the disaster, with many still trapped or missing.

Injuries are also reported differently: the BBC – World cited 4,300 injured, while the South China Morning Post and The Hindu – World reported around 1,500 people injured. Thousands more are reported missing across the country, according to multiple sources.

The coastal region of La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas, has been described as the hardest hit. Video footage captured by fishermen showed dust rising over the coastline as apartment blocks and hotels collapsed, reported Al Jazeera. Families were seen searching for loved ones beneath the rubble, with some residents telling Al Jazeera that rescue efforts were too slow and resources insufficient.

In Caracas, residents fled into the streets as the ground shook. Billy Ebrin, a resident who spoke to Al Jazeera, described the terror: "People were bumping into each other in the confusion: elderly people, people carrying their pets... It was all terrifying." He had slept in his car, too afraid to return to his seventh-floor apartment.

The country's main airport in Caracas was damaged and closed, complicating aid efforts, according to the South China Morning Post and The Hindu – World.

International Response

The international community has begun mobilizing aid. The U.S. government pledged $150 million to support relief efforts by aid groups and the United Nations, according to The Hindu – World. The U.S. Treasury also moved to waive some sanctions until October 23 to allow transactions related to earthquake relief in Venezuela, reported The Hindu – World.

Venezuelans in the U.S. have organized donation drives. Oscar Torres, a resident of Doral, Florida, told The Hindu – World that community members are pitching in money, medicine, and water to send to their home country.

Other countries, including Mexico and Colombia, have also promised assistance, according to The Hindu – World.

The disaster has struck a country already facing political turmoil. The U.S. military seized Venezuela's then-president Nicolas Maduro in a surprise operation earlier this year, as noted by The Hindu – World.

Key Claims

• Two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening.
• At least 188 people were killed, according to officials cited by the South China Morning Post and The Hindu – World; at least 235 were killed, according to health authorities cited by Al Jazeera and BBC – World.
• The number of injured varies: 1,500 (South China Morning Post, The Hindu – World) versus 4,300 (BBC – World).
• Thousands reported missing; many trapped under rubble.
• The coastal region of La Guaira suffered the heaviest damage.
• The main airport in Caracas was damaged and closed.
• The U.S. pledged $150 million in aid and waived some sanctions to facilitate relief.
• Venezuelans in the U.S. organized donation drives.