235 Killed as Venezuela's Strongest Earthquake in 126 Years Triggers Massive Rescue Operation

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La Guaira, Venezuela, June 26: At least 235 people have been killed and around 4,300 injured after the strongest earthquake to hit Venezuela in 126 years struck the country's northern region, triggering a massive rescue effort as authorities and residents raced to find survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within less than a minute of each other on Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction across northern Venezuela. Thousands of people remain missing, and officials have warned that the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

The worst damage was reported in the coastal state of La Guaira, where 250 buildings collapsed, roads were damaged and emergency services struggled to reach trapped survivors.

The Venezuelan government declared La Guaira a disaster zone, while the closure of the state's heavily damaged international airport threatened to slow relief operations. Reports of looting were also recorded in some affected communities.

International support quickly began arriving. Switzerland, Spain, France, Portugal and Mexico dispatched rescue teams and specialists to assist with recovery efforts. The United States announced a $150 million aid package and deployed warships, transport aircraft and helicopters to support relief operations.

China, India, Brazil, Iran and Pope Leo XIV also pledged assistance, with the Pope providing an initial donation of 100,000 euros. The United Nations warned that responding to the disaster would require 'massive collective efforts,' with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy.

Among those confirmed dead were two Brazilian citizens, two Chinese citizens, one Italian national and one Portuguese national, according to officials from those countries.

The earthquakes were felt across the region, including in neighboring Colombia, where residents evacuated buildings as a precaution, and in northern Brazil, where seismic activity was also reported.

The disaster marks Venezuela's deadliest earthquake in decades and the most powerful to strike the country since 1900.

Pic Credit : AFP