Venezuela Earthquakes Leave Hundreds Dead, Thousands Missing as Rescue Efforts Race Against Time

Hundreds of people were killed and thousands remain missing after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, with rescue teams still trying to pull survivors from the rubble. In the United States, officials estimate the death toll could ultimately reach anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000. Residents in La Guaira, in the north of the country, described entire buildings collapsing and neighborhoods being wiped out.

Diana Delgado, a local resident, cried, "I just want to know where my son is." Pedro Perez, 64, who owns an upholstery workshop, told Reuters he lost his home and his shop and is now sleeping on the street with his wife and children. "We lost everything. We have no food or medicine. We hope help arrives soon," he said.

Local accounts said about 100 buildings collapsed in La Guaira alone. Rescue crews reported hearing trapped people beneath the debris, making the coming hours critical. Volunteers were digging with their bare hands, while families waited anxiously for news of missing relatives. Along the Caracas-La Guaira highway, many people were seen evacuating toward the coast carrying water, food and medicine.

Power supplies remained unstable, and Caracas International Airport was shut down after taking heavy damage. Footage from the terminal showed panic among passengers during the quake, and the electronic departures board fell and shattered. Venezuela's interim president Rodriguez, who took over after Maduro was detained, declared a state of emergency, said foreign rescue teams were on their way, and announced that Maiquetia Airport was closed because of the damage. The first quake measured 7.1, followed about 40 seconds later by a stronger 7.5 tremor.