- At least 235 people were killed, with thousands more injured, after two of the country's strongest quakes in over a century.
- Many people are missing or still trapped beneath rubble.
- The US military are for rescue efforts in Venezuela – where, earlier this year, special forces conducted a deadly raid to seize President Nicolás Maduro. Relief teams from around the world are also mobilizing help, and pledges of foreign aid are pouring in.
- A Marine Corps general arrived in Caracas on Thursday to help lead the US military’s earthquake relief effort in Venezuela.
- The UN said it is coordinating the deployment of search-and-rescue teams to Venezuela.
- The US Southern Command said it was 'surging' forces into the region at the interim government’s request.
- The interim president Delcy Rodríguez state on Thursday, the area most affected by the earthquakes.
- Within hours of the Wednesday earthquakes, several unofficial websites quickly came into life for desperate relatives to host pictures of their missing loved ones.
Rescuers are racing to find victims of two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela, killing at least 235 people and injuring thousands more. The quakes, described as some of the strongest in over a century, have left many missing or trapped beneath rubble.
The US military is actively involved in the relief efforts, with a Marine Corps general arriving in Caracas to lead operations. The US Southern Command has stated it is 'surging' forces into the region at the request of the interim government.3457
International support is also ramping up, with the UN coordinating the deployment of search-and-rescue teams. Relief teams from around the world are mobilizing, and pledges of foreign aid are pouring in to assist the beleaguered nation.
The interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has emphasized the need for immediate assistance, particularly in the areas most affected by the earthquakes. Within hours of the disaster, unofficial websites emerged for desperate relatives to post pictures of their missing loved ones, highlighting the urgency of the situation.89
“The quakes have already tested the country due to years of deterioration and lack of investment,” said a local official, underscoring the challenges faced in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
“At least 235 people were killed, with many missing or trapped beneath rubble after the earthquakes in Venezuela. The US military and UN are coordinating extensive relief efforts as international aid pours in.”
