The tragedy deepens in Venezuela: Death toll from the earthquakes rises to 920 / Over 51,000 missing

Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, considered the strongest to hit the country in more than a century.

More than 920 people have lost their lives, while around 3,360 others were injured as a result of the two devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday.

Authorities say many people are still missing, as rescue teams continue intensive operations to find survivors trapped under the rubble.

The La Guaira region, north of the capital Caracas, has been the hardest hit by the disaster. Dozens of buildings, including hospitals, shopping centers, and other infrastructure, have collapsed or suffered severe damage. Simón Bolívar International Airport and one of the country’s main ports are also located in this region.

According to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, at least 172 people are still believed to be trapped under the rubble, while 243 people have been rescued in La Guaira alone. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez stated that dozens of citizens have been pulled out alive and that 214 aftershocks have been recorded so far.

According to reports on citizen platforms and unofficial networks, more than 51,000 people have been reported missing.

The two earthquakes struck just seconds apart. The second quake, measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale, is considered one of the most powerful to hit Venezuela in more than a century.

The healthcare system is facing enormous challenges due to the high number of injured people. Doctors are providing assistance in improvised centers, while the remaining operational hospitals are overwhelmed and struggling with shortages of medicine and equipment.

“All our hospitals are lacking supplies and medicines. Even under normal conditions, it was difficult to treat patients, and now the situation is far worse,” said doctor Pedro Javier Fernandez.

Meanwhile, families continue to wait anxiously for news about their loved ones. La Guaira resident Natacha Diaz said her two daughters, aged 22 and 23, were trapped under the rubble of a shopping center where they worked.

“I just want them to be found. I still have hope that they are alive. They are everything I have,” she said.

Rescue operations have been complicated by damaged roads, communication outages, and a lack of equipment, forcing teams in some cases to search for survivors with their bare hands.

International aid has begun arriving in Venezuela. Search-and-rescue teams from United Kingdom, United States, Netherlands, Mexico, and Switzerland have joined emergency operations. The United States has also announced the deployment of ships, cargo aircraft, and a $150 million aid package to help deal with the aftermath of the disaster.

“KORÇA BOOM”