188 Dead, 70,000 Families Hit as Earthquakes Level Venezuela Coast
A powerful earthquake has killed at least 188 people in Venezuela, with officials warning the death toll will rise as rescue crews reach more areas. The disaster has affected more than 70,000 families, and the military has taken control of security in the hardest-hit state to prevent looting [182858][182943].
Multi-storey buildings collapsed in the coastal city of La Guaira after two major earthquakes struck the region on Wednesday [182700]. Aerial footage showed entire structures reduced to rubble as rescue efforts began [182700]. On Friday afternoon, a strong aftershock rattled Venezuela's northern coast, and authorities are now assessing further damage from the second tremor [182943].
Soldiers have taken control of security in the hard-hit state of La Guaira, deploying to maintain order and prevent looting in the disaster zone [182943]. Emergency teams continue to search for survivors in the hardest-hit regions as officials assess the full extent of the damage [182858][182700].