Venezuela is grappling with one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history after two powerful earthquakes struck within seconds of each other, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 injured, according to authorities.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said at least 164 people have been confirmed dead and 971 injured. The figures represent a sharp increase from earlier casualty estimates as emergency workers gain access to heavily damaged areas and continue searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
Scenes of devastation have emerged from Caracas, where several buildings partially or completely collapsed. Emergency responders worked through the night in a race against time, using heavy machinery and search equipment to locate survivors. Witnesses reported hearing cries for help from beneath the debris as rescue operations intensified.
The scale of the disaster has prompted an international response. Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a humanitarian organization based in South Florida, announced that it is mobilizing emergency aid in partnership with its Venezuelan affiliate, I Love Venezuela.
The organization said assessment teams are being deployed to evaluate urgent needs and coordinate relief efforts on the ground. Shipments of humanitarian supplies, including food, water, medical equipment and emergency essentials, are expected to begin arriving in the country as early as Thursday.
Meanwhile, the USGS warned that the humanitarian impact could become significantly worse. Based on historical earthquake models, the agency estimated a substantial risk of fatalities reaching into the thousands, although officials stressed that such projections remain preliminary and depend on multiple factors.
As rescue workers continue their search for survivors, Venezuela faces a daunting recovery effort, with authorities warning that the full extent of the destruction may not be known for several days.
