Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 188 with hundreds still trapped under rubble
Venezuelan resident films terrifying high-rise escape as building crumbles during earthquake
Rescue crews in Venezuela are racing to save hundreds of people who are trapped in rubble after two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck Wednesday evening, killing at least 188 people and leaving thousands missing.
An additional 1,500 people are wounded after the earthquakes, the strongest to hit the country in over a century, devastated northern Venezuela. The coastal region of La Guaira, north of Caracas, suffered the most severe damage and casualties, with numerous buildings collapsing and residents searching for loved ones amidst the rubble.
Rescue teams are being mobilised to La Guaira, described as a “disaster zone,” with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez appealing for heavy construction equipment and confirming that UN-certified search and rescue teams are en route.
“Dozens of buildings have collapsed there … and we are currently carrying out intensive rescue operations to save lives,” Rodríguez said. Footage on state TV showed three children, covered in dust but alive, pulled from the rubble in La Guaira.
Retired schoolteacher Juan Alberto Mendaño said he climbed through wreckage, past a dead body, and spotted a woman who was trapped and signaling with her hand for help. “God, let them rescue her as quickly as possible,” said Mendaño. “When we heard the scream, there was nothing we could do.” At another damaged apartment complex, residents shouted the names of missing people: “Mirna! Marquitos!”
