Rescue efforts underway as Venezuela earthquakes kill at least 235

The two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday have left at least 235 dead, including two Chinese nationals, and 1,520 injured, according to Venezuelan health ministry.  

Speaking on Venezuelan state television, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said on Thursday that the country is racing against time to save the injured and the trapped, adding that the figures will be updated in the coming hours. About 200 people were trapped under rubble and 157 others remained missing, he said.

Venezuela had recorded 138 aftershocks as of noon on Thursday, said Rodriguez. Because of continuing aftershocks, the Venezuelan government declared several areas, including La Guaira state, disaster zones.

At least 346 buildings were damaged, including eight hospitals, some of which had been evacuated, he said. 

Rodriguez also called on the public to donate emergency supplies at collection points across the country.

Rescue workers were still searching for survivors in collapsed buildings, while heavy machinery had begun arriving at disaster sites as rescue operations continued.

Because of continuing aftershocks, many Venezuelans began spending the night in the streets or inside cars early Thursday.

International aid 

The Venezuelan government is taking the necessary steps to coordinate international assistance, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said Thursday.

"The country values the offers of international aid and is working through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to manage and receive this much-needed support during these difficult times," Gil wrote in a post on Telegram.

Gil expressed gratitude for messages of solidarity sent by various governments and international organizations, as well as offers of technical and humanitarian assistance.

Countries in the region, including Brazil, Cuba, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, have offered to cooperate with Venezuela in various areas to support recovery efforts, he said.

Nations from other parts of the world, including China, Iran, Azerbaijan, the United States, Türkiye and Qatar, also expressed solidarity with Venezuela and their willingness to help.

UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said the humanitarian affairs office was coordinating deployment of international urban search-and-rescue teams.

Switzerland will send a rescue team consisting of 80 members to quake-hit Venezuela, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) said on Thursday.

"The Swiss Rescue Chain's mission is now being carried out: A team of 80 specialists with eight search dogs and 18 tons of rescue material is traveling to Venezuela," the FDFA said in a statement.

Their flight was scheduled to depart on Friday at 2:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) from Zurich, and arrive in Caracas around 10:00 a.m. local time (1400 GMT).

(With input from agencies)