{"id":1136,"date":"2026-06-26T04:41:22","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T04:41:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=1136"},"modified":"2026-06-26T04:41:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T04:41:22","slug":"neighbors-dig-through-venezuela-rubble-to-search-for-loved-ones-after-2-deadly-earthquakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/topmovingpross.com\/?p=1136","title":{"rendered":"Neighbors dig through Venezuela rubble to search for loved ones after 2 deadly earthquakes"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) \u2014 In cities across northern Venezuela<\/span>, neighbors helped each other dig through rubble to search for loved ones on Thursday after back-to-back earthquakes<\/span> that officials say killed more than 230 people and left thousands injured the night before.<\/p>\n

Read more Europe\u2019s extreme heat would be impossible without climate change, scientists say<\/a><\/p>\n

The official death toll rose to around 235 late Thursday, with at least 4,300 people injured, Venezuela Health Minister Carlos Alvarado told state media. The number of casualties is expected to climb with thousands reported missing and frantic rescue efforts continuing.<\/p>\n

The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that struck Wednesday<\/span> evening was among the strongest in Venezuela in more than a century and was felt throughout the region. <\/p>\n

The injured were pulled out covered in dust and blood, among them children and animals. Venezuelan state TV showed dramatic images of rescues, including a woman who was trapped under a cement slab with only a bare foot poking out before rescuers slid her out alive. But few government search teams were initially seen outside Caracas.<\/p>\n

The coastal region of La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas, suffered some of the heaviest damage and casualties. The country\u2019s main airport is there and was closed due to damage, complicating aid efforts.<\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

Venezuelans reeling from quakes<\/h2>\n

Many were stunned Thursday morning as they saw buildings reduced to skeletons, furniture hanging out of windows and helicopters circling overhead. Buildings were flattened and streets cracked open.<\/p>\n

Families posted missing-person flyers with photos of loved ones while others shared handwritten lists of names as they searched. Venezuelans abroad struggled to make contact with relatives due to interrupted phone service in the country. <\/p>\n

In downtown Caracas, hundreds spent the night huddled in parks, parking lots and other open spaces.<\/p>\n

Mother of three Dayana Delgado asked where the heavy machinery was that government officials had promised and said residents were the ones digging through crumpled buildings.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cI want to know where my child is, if he\u2019s trapped or in a shelter,\u201d she said of her missing 8-year-old son. <\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

One mother sobbed and collapsed in grief as the bodies of her 3- and 10-year-old children were wrapped in blankets and carried away. Others screamed the names of the missing. Some stood in silent shock.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n\n<\/svg>\n<\/div>\n
\nSign up for Morning Wire:<\/strong>
\n Our flagship newsletter breaks down the biggest headlines of the day.\n <\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n
\n