Venezuela earthquakes: 235 dead, thousands homeless in La Guaira

Two powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on Wednesday, killing 235 people and injuring 4,300, according to official reports Source: infobae. The coastal state of La Guaira was declared a disaster zone, with the highest casualty toll Source: diariolibree.

In Catia La Mar, hundreds of residents are sleeping outdoors on makeshift bedding, fearing aftershocks and lacking shelter. "Ya llevo como dos días sin dormir," said Nereixa Méndez, whose home was damaged and who lost a cousin Source: hoydo. Jesús David Bello, 70, whose family of eight lost their home, said they are "esperando justamente a las autoridades competentes para ver qué pueden solucionar" Source: infobae.

Aid has begun arriving: a truck delivered non-perishable food on Friday, for which victims are grateful. However, Bello noted that official help has been limited, with only some civilians bringing water, cookies, and bread Source: diariolibree. The earthquakes also caused building collapses in Caracas and other regions. Authorities continue search-and-rescue operations.