Hundreds of people remained trapped beneath collapsed buildings across Venezuela on Thursday after twin powerful earthquakes devastated areas in and around the capital, Caracas, leaving at least 188 people dead, more than 1,500 hospitalized, and thousands displaced.
The magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck about 160 kilometers west of Caracas on Wednesday, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, the country's strongest earthquake in more than a century.
Authorities said at least 250 buildings were damaged or destroyed, forcing nearly 3,000 families from their homes as rescue teams searched through the rubble amid continuing aftershocks.
The worst-hit region, La Guaira state, suffered widespread destruction, with officials describing it as a disaster zone while emergency crews and volunteers worked to reach survivors.
Electricity remained limited across parts of the state, and Caracas' main airport was closed after sustaining damage.
Officials said at least 200 people were still trapped, while an opposition-backed website listed more than 41,000 people as unaccounted for, although those figures could not be independently verified.
Residents reported shortages of rescue equipment, food, medicine, water, and electricity as many spent the night outdoors after their homes became unsafe.
Morón, near the earthquake's epicenter, also suffered severe damage, with houses collapsing and families evacuating damaged residential buildings while awaiting government shelters.
The disaster has placed additional strain on Venezuela's already fragile infrastructure and economy.
Preliminary estimates from the U.S. Geological Survey suggest economic losses could equal between 1 and 7 percent of the country's gross domestic product.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced a $200 million reconstruction fund supported by the International Monetary Fund to rebuild hospitals, housing, and other infrastructure.
The United Nations said it had fully mobilized humanitarian efforts, while the United States deployed rescue teams and Switzerland sent rescue equipment to assist operations.
Oil and gas infrastructure was largely spared significant damage, allowing major energy facilities and foreign operators to continue functioning after safety assessments.
Authorities said hospitals, emergency services, and private companies were coordinating efforts as international rescue teams prepared to reinforce operations in the coming days.