Venezuela quake death toll rises to 920

The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela has risen to 920, with nearly 3,360 people injured, according to acting President Delcy Rodríguez.

The two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit Wednesday evening near the coastal city of Morón, causing widespread destruction across northern Venezuela. The state of La Guaira has been the hardest hit, where emergency crews continue searching for survivors and distributing food and water.

Speaking alongside government and military officials, Rodríguez said rescue efforts remain the country’s top priority as international search-and-rescue teams arrive to assist.

Across affected communities, residents have joined emergency crews in searching through collapsed buildings for missing family members and neighbors. Many homes and buildings were severely damaged, roads cracked open, and thousands of people spent the night in parks and other open areas out of fear of aftershocks.

The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency and announced a $200 million reconstruction fund to help repair damaged homes and hospitals. Officials have also called on businesses to provide heavy equipment to support rescue operations.

The earthquakes struck near Morón, about 105 miles west of Caracas, according to the United States Geological Survey. Experts say the shallow depth of both quakes and their close timing greatly increased the damage.

More than 1,000 emergency responders from 25 international search-and-rescue teams are being deployed to Venezuela. Rescue crews and aid have already arrived from countries including Spain, Chile, Switzerland, Mexico, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic, while additional assistance is on the way from Germany, Turkey, China, Brazil, Portugal, Canada, and Qatar. The United States has also pledged emergency assistance despite logistical challenges caused by the closure of Venezuela’s main airport.