At Least 32 Dead as Massive Earthquakes Rock Venezuela, Rescue Efforts Intensify

Venezuela is grappling with one of its worst natural disasters in recent years after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday, leaving at least 32 people dead and more than 700 injured.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez warned that the death toll is likely to increase as emergency crews continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings and homes. The government has mobilised rescue teams across affected regions while international assistance begins to arrive.

What Did Delcy Rodriguez Say?

Following an emergency meeting of Venezuela's National Risk Management System (SNGR) and Civil Protection System, Rodriguez said the government's immediate priority was saving lives.

"We have a central and essential objective: to save lives. Our work, as authorities of the national emergency system and the civil protection system, is to rescue those people who are trapped under buildings or homes that have collapsed," Rodriguez said.

She urged citizens to remain calm as authorities continue rescue operations across the country.

Why Is La Guaira the Worst-Hit Region?

According to Rodriguez, the coastal state of La Guaira has suffered the most severe damage from the twin earthquakes.

"I must report that the state most affected by this unprecedented seismic phenomenon is La Guaira state. There are dozens of collapsed buildings, and we are currently in very arduous rescue efforts to save whatever lives God allows us to save," she said.

The scale of destruction has transformed parts of the state into what officials describe as a disaster zone, with rescue workers racing against time to locate survivors beneath the rubble.

A 'Real Tragedy' for Venezuela

Rodriguez described the devastation in La Guaira as unprecedented and expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones.

"We can say that La Guaira state is a true tragedy and has become a disaster zone," she said.

"Our message of solidarity goes out to those families who have lost loved ones, and we reiterate our condolences and our support in these hard hours," she added.

The comments underscore the growing humanitarian challenge facing Venezuelan authorities as thousands of residents cope with damaged homes and disrupted services.

What International Support Is Being Offered?

As rescue efforts intensify, Venezuela has begun receiving offers of assistance from several countries.

Rodriguez thanked US President Donald Trump and his administration for maintaining contact with Venezuelan authorities and offering support.

"I want to thank President Donald Trump and his government, which has been in permanent contact with the Venezuelan government and all our authorities, providing support and solidarity. In the first few hours, we will be receiving rescuers," Rodriguez said.

She also announced that rescue brigades would arrive from the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico and Qatar. Humanitarian assistance has additionally been offered by China, while Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and several Caribbean nations have pledged support.

What Is the Latest Death and Injury Toll?

Providing the latest official figures, Rodriguez said the disaster had already claimed dozens of lives, with many more injured.

"At this time we have reports of 32 deaths, not yet counting the figures that La Guaira state may yield, and more than 700 injured who we have been receiving in emergency departments at both public hospitals and private health centres."

Authorities expect casualty numbers to rise as search-and-rescue operations continue in heavily damaged areas.

What Measures Has the Government Taken?

In response to the disaster, the Venezuelan government has suspended classes and non-essential activities nationwide. Hotels, shelters and emergency accommodation centres have been opened to support residents whose homes were destroyed or rendered unsafe.

Rodriguez appealed for national unity as the country confronts the aftermath of the earthquakes.

"I ask you to act in national unity, with calm, and to know that together we will overcome this tragedy. A tragedy that today brings mourning to many Venezuelan families, but Venezuela is also receiving the love of the peoples of the world," she said.

What Happens Next?

Emergency crews continue to search collapsed buildings for survivors while international rescue teams prepare to join operations on the ground. With entire neighbourhoods damaged and casualty figures still emerging, authorities expect the full scale of the disaster to become clearer in the coming days.

For now, the focus remains on rescue efforts, medical treatment for the injured and providing shelter to thousands of affected residents as Venezuela confronts the aftermath of the twin earthquakes.

(With inputs from ANI)