Rescuers are searching for people in debris to save lives after strong earthquakes struck Venezuela near the capital, killing at least 235 people and injuring at least 4,300. In Caracas and the coastal city of La Guaira, massive voices were heard by the people calling for help from under the debris of collapsed buildings. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake of 7.2-magnitude followed seconds later by an even stronger 7.5 magnitude one, with both occurring close to the surface, making them more disastrous.
Numerous people are feared dead, while others are left homeless or too afraid to stay in damaged, unsafe sleeping on the streets.
“Jorge Rodríguez”, the president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, reported that the death toll had risen, after the country’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency.
Many countries have pledged to help the rescue efforts, with the US promising $150m (£113m) in aid. As per media reports, the US military is sending transport ships and aircraft to support search and rescue teams and “rapid relief operations”, it said in a statement.
