Deadly earthquakes strike Venezuela leaving hundreds dead
Two consecutive earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction primarily in the coastal city of La Guaira. The official death toll has reached at least 920, with over 50,000 people reported missing and more than 3,300 injured, according to authorities and the UN. A notable rescue occurred when an 18-day-old infant was pulled alive from the rubble 32 hours after the quakes, with the mother rescued shortly thereafter. Among the deceased are citizens from at least six countries, including Portugal, China, Spain, Brazil, and Chile. International rescue teams from 17 countries, including a 250-member U.S. contingent, have arrived to assist with recovery efforts as local residents complain of inadequate state equipment. Healthcare systems in the region are currently operating under extreme pressure near the point of collapse. The government has restricted access to La Guaira to manage the ongoing search and rescue operations amid public criticism of the emergency response.