A British woman has been killed in Venezuela after a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the country's northern coast, collapsing a building in the city of Caracas. The woman, identified as 38-year-old Sarah Mitchell from Manchester, died after shielding her seven-year-old daughter from falling debris. The child survived with minor injuries and is being cared for by local authorities pending repatriation.
The earthquake, which struck at 3:47 pm local time, caused widespread damage across the capital and surrounding states. According to the US Geological Survey, the epicentre was located 20 kilometres east of Caracas at a depth of 10 kilometres. At least 12 people are confirmed dead and more than 200 injured, with rescue teams still sifting through rubble.
Mitchell, a teacher who had been living in Caracas for three years, was visiting a local market with her daughter when the tremor hit. Witnesses reported that she threw herself over the child as a concrete facade gave way. The daughter, Emily, was extracted from the debris by neighbours and taken to a local hospital where she is listed in stable condition.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the family. A rapid assessment team from the UK's International Search and Rescue (UKISAR) arrived in Caracas this morning, comprising 24 specialists and four search dogs. The team is part of a coordinated international response that includes units from the United States, Spain, and Chile.
British Ambassador to Venezuela, Jonathan Knott, described the incident as a "terrible tragedy" and pledged full support for the family. "Our thoughts are with Sarah's loved ones at this difficult time. We are working closely with Venezuelan authorities to ensure the swift return of her daughter and her remains to the United Kingdom."
The earthquake has further strained Venezuela's already fragile infrastructure. Hospitals in Caracas are overwhelmed, and power outages have hampered rescue efforts. President Nicolás Maduro has declared a state of emergency and called for international aid. The UK is expected to provide an initial £500,000 in humanitarian assistance.
Experts have warned that the death toll may rise as access to remote areas improves. The region remains on alert for aftershocks. The British rescue team is focusing on a collapsed apartment block in the district of Petare, where an estimated 30 people remain trapped.
Mitchell's husband, David, who was in Manchester at the time, is expected to fly to Caracas later today. He issued a brief statement: "Sarah was a hero. She gave her life for Emily. We are devastated but grateful for the support."
The incident has reignited debate about the safety of British nationals living in disaster-prone regions. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Venezuela due to crime and political instability, but does not currently warn against natural disaster risks.
