The death toll from Venezuela’s twin earthquakes has risen sharply to 589, according to acting President Delcy Rodríguez, as rescue crews continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The updated figure marks a steep rise from the earlier toll of 235 dead, with nearly 3,000 people now reported injured and many others still missing. Authorities fear the number of victims could climb further as teams gain access to more damaged areas and continue clearing rubble.
The two powerful earthquakes, measured at magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing severe destruction in and around Caracas and along the coastal state of La Guaira, one of the worst-hit areas.
Searches continue in La Guaira
In La Guaira, north of the capital, more than 100 buildings are reported to have collapsed. Residents have joined rescue workers in the search for survivors, in some cases digging through debris by hand as they wait for heavy machinery and specialist equipment.
Rodríguez has declared a state of emergency and described La Guaira as a disaster zone, while calling for construction equipment and other resources to be made available for rescue operations.
The response has been slowed by damaged infrastructure, aftershocks and disruption to transport and communications. The closure of key airport facilities has also complicated the arrival of some rescue teams and humanitarian supplies.
International aid arrives
Foreign rescue teams and emergency assistance have begun arriving in Venezuela, with several countries sending specialists, equipment and humanitarian support.
The United States has announced $150 million in assistance for the response, including support for aid partners, rescue operations and logistics. Teams and supplies are also being mobilised by countries including Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and others, while the United Nations and the Red Cross are involved in coordinating parts of the relief effort.
Spain has announced one million euros in emergency assistance through the Red Cross and has sent a military aircraft carrying 59 rescuers, two engineers and eight search-dog teams to help locate people trapped under rubble.
Portugal has said it is preparing to provide assistance according to needs on the ground, although the deployment of rescue teams has been affected by disruption to air travel.
European citizens among the dead and missing
European governments have confirmed that their citizens are among the victims.
Spain said three Spanish nationals had died, while 99 remained missing. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said four other Spanish citizens were believed to be trapped beneath rubble as rescue crews worked to reach them.
Portugal’s foreign ministry said nine Portuguese nationals had been killed and 56 others were missing or unaccounted for.
Fears of further rise
Authorities have warned that the toll could rise further as rescue teams continue working through collapsed buildings and areas that remain difficult to access.
The tremors were felt beyond Venezuela, including in neighbouring Colombia, where buildings in Bogotá were evacuated as a precaution.
The disaster has struck a country already facing deep economic and infrastructure problems, raising concerns about the scale of the humanitarian response needed in the days ahead. Families are continuing to post names and photographs of missing relatives online, hoping for information as the search for survivors becomes increasingly urgent.
