After earthquakes measuring up to 7.5 in Venezuela, buildings have been destroyed, hundreds of people have been injured, and the death toll is expected to rise significantly. International aid is on its way to the country.
A large-scale rescue operation has begun in Venezuela following strong earthquakes that occurred last night. Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and footage shows rescuers searching for people under the rubble, NOS reports.
The official death toll currently stands at 164, but it is expected to rise. More than 970 people have been injured. On the social media platform X and on an unofficial website, people are reporting missing persons. According to the site, the number of individuals with whom contact has not yet been established has exceeded 10,000.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates, based on mathematical models, that the death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000 people. The calculations take into account the strength of the earthquake, soil characteristics, as well as population density and construction in the affected region.
According to the Associated Press, the earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, were among the strongest in the country in the last hundred years.
Red Cross rescuers are already on the scene, assisting with evacuation and search operations. A representative of the organization stated that the situation remains unclear. Teams are trying to understand "what assistance is needed, on what scale, and where exactly."
"The next 48 hours will be critical for those affected by the earthquakes," said Joanke Spur, head of humanitarian programs at CARE Nederland, an organization working with local partners in Venezuela.
"In these first hours, it is about saving lives. People may still be trapped under the rubble, the injured urgently need medical assistance, and thousands of families may suddenly find themselves without shelter, food, or clean water."
The Venezuelan government has also accepted international aid and is expecting the arrival of foreign rescue teams to support the search efforts.
In particular, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that search teams, medical, and humanitarian aid are being sent to Venezuela "immediately." Additionally, El Salvador is sending 300 rescuers, medics, and humanitarian supplies, President Nayib Bukele wrote on X.
