**Title: Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises as Thousands Remain Missing**
The aftermath of a devastating double earthquake that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has left the nation grappling with a rising death toll and a significant number of individuals still unaccounted for. As of Thursday, the death count has reached at least 235, a dramatic increase from the 32 fatalities reported the previous evening. Rescue operations are ongoing, with hundreds of people believed to be trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
Health Minister Carlos Alvarado confirmed the latest figures, indicating that the situation is dire, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira, which borders the capital, Caracas. This area has been identified as the hardest hit, with reports indicating that around 70,000 families have been affected by the disaster. The situation is compounded by ongoing aftershocks, which have further destabilized already damaged structures.
Jorge Rodriguez, the head of Venezuela’s national assembly, reported that approximately 200 individuals remain trapped, and over 250 buildings have been either damaged or completely destroyed. The destruction has severely impacted local infrastructure, including the main airport in La Guaira, which has been closed due to damage sustained during the earthquakes. Electricity supply has also been disrupted across various parts of the state, complicating rescue efforts.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez stated that the government is collaborating with private companies to expedite the arrival of heavy machinery needed for rescue operations. “It has become a disaster zone,” she remarked, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Emergency workers, along with volunteers, have been tirelessly searching through the debris, but many residents have expressed frustration over the slow response from official rescue teams.
In La Guaira city, where the destruction is particularly severe, local residents have taken it upon themselves to assist in the search for survivors. Yamileth Jimenez, a local resident, shared her anguish as her 19-year-old son remains trapped beneath the debris of their seven-storey apartment building. “He’s under the slabs and there’s no machinery to get him out,” she lamented, reflecting the desperation felt by many families awaiting news of their missing loved ones.
A website established to track missing persons, which has been promoted by opposition leaders, reported that more than 46,000 individuals are currently unaccounted for, a staggering increase from 6,600 the previous night. However, it is important to note that these figures have not been independently verified.
In response to the crisis, the international community has begun to mobilize aid. The United States has taken steps to ease sanctions, allowing transactions related to earthquake relief that would typically be prohibited. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that rescue teams would be deployed, and the Pentagon is set to assist with logistics and support for the damaged airport in Caracas.
The United Nations has also stepped in, with aid chief Tom Fletcher stating that the organization is coordinating international rescue efforts. He emphasized the need for a massive collective response, especially in a country where eight million people were already in need of humanitarian assistance prior to the earthquakes.
In a show of support, SpaceX has announced that it will provide free Starlink internet service to affected areas until July 25 and is working to deploy terminals to the most severely impacted regions. Fortunately, reports indicate that Venezuela's oil infrastructure has largely remained intact, with foreign energy companies reporting no major disruptions to their operations.
As rescue efforts continue, the focus remains on reaching those trapped and providing assistance to the thousands affected by this tragic event. The situation in Venezuela is evolving rapidly, and further updates are expected as rescue teams work diligently to navigate the challenges posed by the destruction.