Rescuers are racing against time to find survivors after a devastating 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit Venezuela, leaving at least 45 dead and hundreds injured, according to officials. The quake struck near the coastal city of Carúpano, triggering landslides and collapsing buildings across the region.
Rescue Operations Underway
Search teams, including military personnel and volunteers, are digging through rubble in towns such as Carúpano and Cumaná. President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency and deployed national guard units to assist. “We are doing everything possible to save lives,” Maduro said in a televised address.
Impact and Aftershocks
The earthquake, which occurred at 11:15 a.m. local time, was felt as far away as Caracas, 400 kilometers from the epicenter. More than 1,200 people have been treated for injuries, with hospitals overwhelmed. A series of aftershocks, the largest measuring 5.3 magnitude, have hampered efforts and sparked panic.
International Aid and Response
Neighboring countries, including Colombia and Brazil, have offered assistance. The United Nations said it is mobilizing emergency supplies. The earthquake is one of the strongest to hit Venezuela in decades, with the death toll expected to rise as access to remote areas improves.
