Social Media Becomes Lifeline for Missing in Venezuela After Earthquakes

After two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, social media has become a crucial tool for families searching for missing relatives. The official death toll stands at 164, with 971 injured, according to acting President Delcy Rodríguez. Source: hoydo Source: listindiario

Social Media as a Search Tool

Hundreds of posts on platforms like Twitter and Facebook have been shared, featuring names, photos, and contact numbers of missing persons. Messages such as "Desaparecidos, ¡los estamos buscando!" ("Missing, we are looking for them!") have gone viral. The collapse of mobile phone networks and power outages in some areas has made it even harder for people to confirm the safety of loved ones, both inside and outside the country. Source: hoydo

Rescue Efforts and Government Response

Search and rescue teams from Protección Civil, the National Police, and firefighters continue to sift through rubble, especially in the hard-hit coastal state of La Guaira and parts of Caracas. Rodríguez announced a $200 million fund for reconstruction and reported 30 aftershocks. The U.S. tsunami warning system recorded the quakes at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, occurring 39 seconds apart. International solidarity and offers of aid have been extended to Venezuela. Source: listindiario