Venezuela's acting president visits earthquake-hit La Guaira, seeks international aid

Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez visited La Guaira, a state near Caracas that suffered severe damage from recent earthquakes. The visit aimed to oversee rescue operations and assess the impact of the tremors.

Rodríguez, accompanied by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez, expressed hope for recovering survivors. "We hope to recover as many people alive as possible," she stated, announcing that international rescue teams from the Dominican Republic and other nations were expected.

The region has been hit by two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude. La Guaira has been identified as the most affected state, with "dozens" of collapsed buildings reported. The Maiquetía Airport, serving Caracas, is temporarily inoperable due to earthquake damage.

Official reports indicate 188 fatalities and 1,520 injuries. At least 346 structures, including buildings, hospitals, and commercial centers, sustained damage. The government also reported 2,927 families displaced, 157 missing persons, 200 people trapped, and 250 damaged buildings, with some hospitals evacuated.

International aid is being mobilized, with countries like the U.S. coordinating logistical support. The situation highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure and the urgent need for rescue and recovery efforts in Venezuela.