Rescue teams in Venezuela are racing against time to search through collapsed buildings after two powerful earthquakes struck near the capital, killing at least 235 people and injuring more than 4,300, according to updated official figures.

Emergency crews are continuing to dig through rubble in Caracas and the nearby coastal city of La Guaira, where residents have reported hearing survivors calling for help beneath the debris of collapsed structures.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the disaster began with a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, followed seconds later by a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake. Both tremors were shallow, with the first occurring at a depth of around 20 kilometers and the second at just 10 kilometers, significantly increasing the level of destruction.

The earthquakes struck at 18:04 local time (22:04 GMT) on Wednesday, a national holiday in Venezuela, meaning many more people than usual were inside buildings when the tremors hit.

Authorities say at least 250 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, with La Guaira among the hardest-hit areas. Footage verified by international media showed a 10-storey hotel reduced to rubble, where search teams continue to look for survivors.

In the capital Caracas, buildings collapsed across several districts, while damage was also reported in Trujillo, Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua, and Miranda states.

Mayor Gustavo Duque of Chacao said rescue teams have recovered 11 bodies from one collapsed building and rescued 23 survivors, while efforts continue to clear debris and reach people still trapped.

Officials, including Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, confirmed that the death toll has risen as search operations continue. The government of interim president Delcy Rodríguez has declared a state of emergency in the affected regions.

Thousands of residents have been left homeless or are too afraid to return to damaged buildings, with many spending the night outdoors amid ongoing aftershocks and safety concerns.

Several countries have announced support for Venezuela’s emergency response efforts. The United States has pledged approximately $150 million in aid, along with military logistics support including transport aircraft and ships to assist search-and-rescue operations and rapid relief efforts.

International humanitarian organizations are also coordinating with local authorities to provide emergency shelter, medical aid, and food supplies to displaced families.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and desperation as families searched for missing loved ones. One medical student in Caracas said many of his acquaintances remain unaccounted for, while others have been confirmed dead or trapped under debris.

Rescue operations remain ongoing across multiple cities, with emergency teams warning that the number of casualties is likely to rise as more collapsed structures are cleared.

Authorities say the full scale of the disaster is still being assessed, as aftershocks continue to shake already damaged areas and complicate recovery efforts. (ILKHA)