Venezuela has been struck by a devastating natural disaster after two powerful earthquakes hit the country in quick succession, killing at least 235 people and leaving thousands missing, according to early official reports. Rescue operations are continuing amid widespread destruction and growing fears that the death toll may rise further.

The twin quakes, measured at magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck late Wednesday evening, sending violent tremors across northern Venezuela, including parts of the capital Caracas and coastal regions such as La Guaira. The second quake struck moments after the first, intensifying the damage and causing already weakened structures to collapse completely. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as buildings swayed violently, roads cracked open, and residents rushed into the streets in panic. Entire residential blocks have reportedly been reduced to rubble, with emergency teams struggling to reach affected areas due to blocked roads and debris.

Authorities have confirmed at least 235 deaths so far, while thousands remain unaccounted for. Hospitals in the worst-hit regions are overwhelmed, with medical staff treating a continuous influx of injured survivors. Many facilities are also operating under severe pressure due to power cuts and shortages of essential supplies.

Search-and-rescue teams, supported by military personnel and volunteers, are working round the clock to locate survivors trapped under collapsed buildings. However, ongoing aftershocks and unstable structures are slowing down rescue efforts. Heavy machinery is being deployed, but access to several neighborhoods remains difficult.

The government has declared a national emergency and activated disaster response systems. International aid agencies have begun coordinating relief efforts, offering medical assistance, emergency shelters, and rescue support. Experts say the unusually high level of destruction is linked to the “twin quake” effect, where the second powerful tremor strikes before structures weakened by the first can be stabilized, leading to widespread collapse in densely populated areas.

Authorities have warned that the situation remains critical, with rescue operations expected to continue for several days. Priority efforts are focused on finding survivors, restoring essential services, and preventing secondary health crises in overcrowded shelters. With thousands still missing and many areas yet to be fully assessed, officials caution that the death toll is likely to rise significantly in the coming days.

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