Venezuela earthquakes kill 188, leave 41,000 missing

Venezuela is grappling with a devastating aftermath after two powerful earthquakes struck the country, claiming at least 188 lives and leaving an estimated 41,000 people missing. The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 tremors, which hit on Wednesday, have left thousands homeless and crippled infrastructure, particularly in the worst-hit La Guaira state, now declared a "disaster zone."

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He’s under the slabs and there’s no machinery to get him out.

Rescue efforts are underway, but complicated by the nation's ongoing economic crisis, which has left much of its infrastructure fragile. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez stated that 200 people were still trapped under rubble, with 1,520 hospitalized and 250 buildings damaged or destroyed. This has left nearly 3,000 families without homes.

Residents in affected areas describe scenes of panic and desperation. In Catia La Mar, a resident lamented the lack of heavy machinery to rescue her son from a collapsed seven-story building. Volunteers in La Guaira are reportedly digging with their bare hands, while others salvage belongings from destroyed homes. Many lost everything, including homes and businesses, and are now living on the streets, appealing for swift aid.

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We lost everything. We have no food or medicines ... We hope help arrives quickly.

The disaster strikes at a critical time for Venezuela's interim government, which is now facing the immense challenge of coordinating relief and reconstruction efforts amidst severe economic hardship. The government has, however, welcomed international aid offers as it confronts this profound national tragedy.

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has become a disaster zone