Venezuela death toll rises as rescue hampered by equipment shortages
According to AP News, twin magnitude-7 earthquakes struck western Venezuela near Caracas, causing building collapses and prompting evacuations. The first tremor measured 7. 1, followed moments later by a 7. 5-magnitude shock, as reported by the U. S. Geological Survey.
BBC coverage noted that the quakes, described as 7. 2 and 7. 5 magnitude, devastated structures and officials warned of aftershocks and high casualty risk. International assistance arrived as the death toll climbed; the Guardian reported that the United States, Cuba, Iran and several European nations pledged rescue help after at least 164 people were killed. CBS News later said the death count had risen to at least 188 with around 1,500 injured, while rescue teams continued working amid shortages of heavy equipment. NPR and The New York Times both confirmed that fatalities reached at least 589, thousands were injured, a state of emergency was declared, and the lack of machinery hampered rescue operations despite international aid.
