A devastating earthquake disaster in Venezuela has left at least 188 people dead and more than 1,500 others injured, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The disaster followed two powerful back-to-back earthquakes that struck parts of the country, causing widespread destruction across several communities and triggering one of the deadliest natural disasters recorded there in recent years.
Reports indicate that the worst-hit areas were along Venezuela’s northern coastal region, where dozens of buildings collapsed, leaving hundreds of residents trapped under heavy rubble.
Emergency response agencies immediately launched large-scale rescue operations, deploying search teams, medical personnel and heavy equipment to affected communities in an effort to save victims still trapped.
Authorities say hospitals in several areas have become overwhelmed as injured residents continue arriving for urgent treatment following the disaster.
Officials also confirmed that strong aftershocks have continued to hit parts of the country, forcing residents to abandon damaged buildings and spend hours outside over fears of additional structural collapse.
Government authorities have declared emergency measures in the hardest-hit regions as efforts intensify to provide temporary shelter, food supplies and medical assistance to thousands displaced by the disaster.
Several roads, communication networks and public infrastructure were reportedly badly damaged, making rescue operations more difficult for emergency workers trying to reach affected communities.
International aid organisations and foreign governments have begun offering support as Venezuela struggles to manage the scale of destruction caused by the earthquake.
Officials fear the death toll may continue rising as rescue workers search through collapsed buildings for missing persons believed to still be trapped.
The tragic disaster has left the country in mourning while attention remains focused on rescue efforts and urgent humanitarian assistance for survivors.