Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing 235 people and injuring over 4,300. International aid is mobilizing, with the US waiving some sanctions to facilitate relief efforts. Search and rescue operations are ongoing amid widespread devastation.
The earthquakes represent one of Venezuela's worst natural disasters in over a century, exacerbating the nation's ongoing economic and political challenges and necessitating significant international humanitarian assistance.
Venezuela is grappling with the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes that struck on Wednesday evening, causing significant casualties and widespread destruction. The confirmed death toll has reached 235, with over 4,300 people injured, and thousands more are reported missing. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, are among the strongest to hit the nation in over a century and were felt across the region.
Rescue teams and residents are searching for survivors beneath collapsed buildings, particularly in the heavily damaged coastal region of La Guaira. The country's main airport in La Guaira has been closed due to damage, complicating aid efforts.
In response to the disaster, the US Treasury announced on Thursday a waiver of certain sanctions to permit transactions related to earthquake relief efforts. International offers of aid and supplies have poured in from countries including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and El Salvador. However, some residents in affected areas have expressed frustration with the pace and deployment of government-led rescue operations, noting that neighbours are often the ones digging through rubble.