Rescue workers in Venezuela are working against time after a powerful earthquake struck the country's northern coast, toppling buildings and trapping dozens beneath the rubble. As of the latest reports, 33 people have been pulled alive from the debris, but the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale, hit near the city of Cumaná in Sucre state at 11:15 local time on Tuesday. The tremors were felt as far away as Caracas, the capital, where panicked residents fled into the streets. The epicentre was located at a depth of approximately 20 kilometres, relatively shallow, which contributed to the intensity of the shaking.
Initial assessments indicate that dozens of structures, including homes, schools, and a hospital, have either collapsed or sustained severe damage. The worst-affected area appears to be the historic centre of Cumaná, where colonial-era buildings, already weakened by years of neglect, crumbled with little warning. Local officials have declared a state of emergency and are coordinating with national authorities to expedite rescue efforts.
President Nicolás Maduro, who visited the disaster zone on Wednesday, pledged to deploy all available resources to the affected regions. The government has mobilised military engineers, medical teams, and sniffer dogs to assist in locating survivors. However, efforts are hampered by damaged roads, disrupted communications, and a shortage of heavy lifting equipment. Humanitarian organisations have expressed concern that the government's response may be insufficient given the scale of the disaster.
International offers of aid have begun to arrive. The United Nations has announced the release of an initial $2 million from its emergency fund, while neighbouring countries, including Colombia and Brazil, have offered to send search-and-rescue teams. The United States has also expressed readiness to provide assistance, though diplomatic relations between Washington and Caracas remain strained.
As the search for survivors enters its second day, the focus is on reaching those trapped in the most precarious situations. Rescue teams are using thermal imaging cameras and listening devices to detect signs of life. The challenge is compounded by the risk of aftershocks, which could further destabilise already compromised structures. Geologists from the Venezuelan Foundation for Seismological Research have warned that several aftershocks, some potentially strong, are likely in the coming days.
For the families of the missing, the wait is agonising. In a makeshift shelter set up in a local school, relatives gather, clutching photographs and hoping for news. The government has set up a hotline for those seeking information about loved ones, but many complain that the official response has been slow and disorganised.
The earthquake has also raised questions about the state of Venezuela's infrastructure. Years of economic crisis and political instability have led to chronic underinvestment in building maintenance and disaster preparedness. Experts have noted that many buildings in the region were ill-equipped to withstand a seismic event of this magnitude. The tragedy underscores the broader fragility of the country's institutions and their capacity to respond to crises.
As the rescue operation continues, the international community watches closely. The coming hours will be critical. For now, the focus remains on pulling survivors from the wreckage. The clock is ticking.
