Venezuela reels from earthquake disaster as rescuers race to find survivors

An air of desperation hangs over Venezuela's coastal city of La Guaira as residents continue to search for survivors nearly 24 hours after devastating twin earthquakes struck the nation. Many are digging through the rubble with their bare hands, frustrated by a severe shortage of heavy machinery. "We are trying to help with what we can, but there is a lack of equipment," said Carlos Borges, who was part of a team that pulled three people from one building. Family members, including a mother searching for her teenage son, anxiously waited nearby. The US Geological Survey estimates that the death toll could surpass 10,000 following the powerful earthquakes that ravaged Caracas and surrounding areas on Wednesday. The government has officially reported close to 200 fatalities and over 1,500 injuries. La Guaira and Moron, near the quakes' epicenter, are the worst-hit cities. Residents there are struggling amid limited official assistance. "Is it not possible to call in the military? Everyone come, come and pitch in. Put them in an armored vehicle and come help the people. Find tractors wherever you can," pleaded Argenis Martinez, a resident of La Guaira's Los Corales neighborhood, as he searched for a relative. Amid the chaos, some areas experienced fires overnight despite a domestic gas service cutoff. Terrified residents, many displaced, huddled in the streets or peered into damaged buildings. The government announced that aid is en route from Spain, the United States, Mexico, and Qatar, and has appealed to the private sector for equipment like backhoes. Looting has also been reported in some areas, with people searching for food and water.

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We are trying to help with what we can, but there is a lack of equipment.