Venezuela earthquakes death toll rises to 188 as rescuers search rubble for survivors

The death toll from two devastating earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to at least 188 people, in addition to 1,520 people injured and 200 still trapped, the president of Venezuela's National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, says, according to Reuters, AFP and local media.

State media channel Venezolana de Televisión says 157 are reported missing - although the exact figure is unclear with a separate missing people website pointing to a figure in the tens of thousands.

At least 2,927 families have lost their homes in the destruction, Rodriguez says.

Rescuers are searching the rubble in Caracas and the state of La Guaira, where the UN says more than 100 buildings have collapsed.

The quakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, hit a minute apart. The second was the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900.

The US Geological Survey says thousands of people could have been killed in total.

From Miami to Mexico to Switzerland, aid from around the world is on the way for victims of the earthquakes in Venezuela,

Emergency workers are racing to reach people trapped beneath the rubble in Venezuela, as the next few hours prove crucial following Wednesday's earthquakes.

President of the National Assembly Jorge Rodríguez says 250 buildings have been damaged or lost, primarily in La Guaira.

These first few hours are absolutely crucial for emergency workers to get to the voices they can hear under the rubble.

The Venezuelan emergency services are experienced with dealing with this kind of disaster, however the brain drain of the last few years and a mass exodus of young people have impacted the ability of firefighters and ambulance crews to operate.

Nonetheless, they are working around the clock attempting to reach those most affected in the state of La Guaira.

Desperate family members are sitting and waiting for news.

Venezuelan government deploys the army and heavy machinery to worst-hit area

Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has met with the army's general staff to coordinate urgent relief measures for La Guaira state, the area worst hit by the earthquakes.

They will mobilize state security forces as well as heavy machinery to remove large amount of debris. They also agreed to open priority routes for rescue efforts, and organize support logistics for water, food, blankets, and mattresses for people who lost their homes.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres says on X that the UN is "mobilizing assistance" and "working closely" with the Venezuelan government and partners to support the country.

More countries pledge rescue workers and funds

Spain, Italy, Czechia, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal are all sending search and rescue teams, according to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has also announced the assistance of rescuers and health workers.

Meanwhile, the Vatican says that Pope Leo has sent an initial emergency donation, calling it a "first step" with further help to follow.

The mayor of Bogotá, Colombia Carlos Galán says he is sending a specialized search and rescue team from his city's fire department, along with Dastan, a dog trained in locating trapped people. They are part of a Colombian delegation of 64 people headed to Venezuela to offer aid.

Some organizations have also weighed in. The chief of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, says WHO teams are in "close touch" with responders and "on standby to deploy additional staff" and medical supplies.

The US Department of State is deploying a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) that includes two specialized urban search and rescue teams focused on locating and reaching survivors.

Additionally, the US is mobilizing $150m in assistance to Venezuela through its partners including the International Medical Corps and the World Food Program, as well as a $100m contribution to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Venezuela pooled fund.

The administration has also launched a task force based out of Washington to coordinate assistance and get help to Americans affected by the earthquakes.

The defense department is also deploying military assets, including fixed and rotor-wing aircraft, to support search and rescue efforts. (Source: BBC News)