Venezuela earthquakes: Over 200 people buried, German aid team mobilizes

Rescue operations are underway in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes that have claimed at least 188 lives and injured over 1500 people. Official figures indicate that approximately 200 individuals are still trapped beneath the debris of an estimated 250 collapsed or damaged buildings. The tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction, particularly in the coastal city of Catia la Mar. Reports of looting in affected areas have emerged, with AFP journalists observing people leaving a damaged grocery store with stolen goods.

Despite the grim toll, rescue teams continue to search for survivors, having already pulled dozens of people, including two infants, from the rubble. Internet lists and social media posts circulating after the quakes named around 12,000 missing individuals, though these figures remain unverified. Communication lines have been disrupted in many areas due to the damage.

International assistance is mobilizing to support Venezuela's relief efforts. Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet company, has pledged free service for affected regions. The German government is preparing aid including water filters, field beds, tents, and generators. The German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) is dispatching nearly 50 rescue workers, including four with rescue dogs, to aid in the recovery of those buried in collapsed structures.