Venezuela Earthquakes: 235 Dead, Foreign Victims Identified Amid Ongoing Rescue Operations
The devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday have claimed at least 235 lives, with authorities confirming that several foreign nationals are among the victims. The powerful 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes rank among the strongest to hit the South American nation in more than a century, causing widespread destruction across multiple regions and sending tremors throughout neighboring countries.
The devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday have claimed at least 235 lives, with authorities confirming that several foreign nationals are among the victims. The powerful 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes rank among the strongest to hit the South American nation in more than a century, causing widespread destruction across multiple regions and sending tremors throughout neighboring countries.
Emergency rescue teams continue to search through collapsed buildings as officials warn that the death toll could rise further. Governments around the world are also working to assist the families of their citizens affected by the disaster.
Two Brazilian Citizens Killed
Brazil's Foreign Ministry confirmed that two Brazilian nationals, a man and a woman, lost their lives in the earthquake. The ministry stated that it is providing full consular assistance to their families during this difficult time.
Brazil shares a long border with Venezuela and has been closely monitoring rescue and relief operations following the disaster.
Italian-Venezuelan Dual National Among Victims
Italy's Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of a man in his mid-50s who held both Italian and Venezuelan citizenship. Born in Caracas, he was killed when a residential building collapsed in La Guaira, one of the regions hardest hit by the earthquakes.
According to Italian authorities, approximately 170,000 Italian passport holders currently reside in Venezuela, prompting officials to closely monitor the situation and provide assistance where needed.
Two Chinese Nationals Confirmed Dead
Chinese authorities confirmed that two Chinese citizens were among those killed in the earthquakes.
According to China's state news agency Xinhua, citing the Chinese Embassy in Caracas, embassy officials have urged all Chinese nationals living in Venezuela to remain alert and take precautions against potential secondary disasters, including powerful aftershocks and additional seismic activity.
Portuguese Citizen Dies After Rescue
Portugal's Foreign Ministry confirmed the death of one Portuguese citizen in the disaster.
Officials said the man was initially pulled alive from the rubble by rescue workers but later died while being transported to a hospital due to the severity of his injuries.
One of Venezuela's Strongest Earthquakes in Over a Century
The twin earthquakes are among the most powerful to strike Venezuela in more than 100 years, causing extensive structural damage, destroying homes and buildings, and disrupting transportation and emergency services.
Rescue operations remain underway as authorities continue to assess the full scale of the disaster. International governments are coordinating with Venezuelan officials to assist affected citizens, while humanitarian agencies are mobilizing relief efforts for survivors.
With aftershocks continuing to shake the region, residents have been advised to remain cautious and follow official safety instructions as emergency response teams work around the clock.
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