Venezuela earthquake death toll reaches 188, with 1,520 injured

The death toll from two earthquakes in Venezuela has climbed to 188, with 1,520 people injured and at least 346 buildings, including hospitals and shopping centers, damaged, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez.

Rodríguez stated that 2,927 families are displaced, 157 people are missing, and 200 are trapped. He also reported 250 damaged buildings and eight affected hospitals, some of which required evacuation. Since Wednesday's earthquakes, measuring 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude, 138 aftershocks have been recorded.

In response to the ongoing seismic activity, acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared several areas, including La Guaira, as "disaster zones." Rescue efforts are underway in western and eastern Caracas neighborhoods, where significant structural damage is evident. International aid, including rescue teams from the United States, Mexico, Spain, Qatar, and the United Nations, has arrived to assist in the search for survivors.

Venezuelan residents are sleeping outdoors on mattresses or in their vehicles due to fear of aftershocks. The uncertainty surrounding damage assessments keeps the population on alert, with many returning to the streets even after initially going back to their homes. Rescue machinery has begun arriving to aid in the search, following initial efforts using basic tools and human power.