Venezuela Earthquakes Claim 920 Lives, Rescue Efforts Ongoing

Venezuela has experienced its deadliest natural disaster in a century, with twin earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 striking just minutes apart on Wednesday night, resulting in at least 920 confirmed deaths and over 3,300 injuries. Emergency workers are racing against time to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble, with a critical 72-hour window for rescue operations.

The hardest-hit areas include the capital, Caracas, and the coastal state of La Guaira, where hundreds of buildings have collapsed. Residents, such as Natacha Diaz and Andreina Valerio, are appealing for help as they search for missing loved ones.

The influx of casualties has overwhelmed local hospitals, which are struggling with severe shortages of essential supplies due to years of underfunding. International assistance is beginning to arrive, with rescue teams from Switzerland and Mexico joining local efforts.

The situation poses significant humanitarian challenges as thousands remain displaced and the death toll is expected to rise.