Back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on Thursday, causing serious damage in the north of the country. By Saturday, officials said at least 920 people had died and more than 3,300 were hurt. The earthquakes had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
Many of the hardest-hit areas were in northern Venezuela, including La Guaira near the capital, Caracas. Families searched through damaged buildings for missing relatives and neighbours. Some people said they had seen few official rescue teams in the worst-hit places.
Aid agencies say the first 48 to 72 hours after a disaster are very important for finding survivors. International rescue teams and humanitarian aid began arriving from around the world. Venezuelan officials said 243 people had been rescued by Saturday.
Many people were too afraid to go back into damaged homes and slept outside instead. Food and water were handed out in some communities. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the government was working to respond to the emergency. The number of people affected could be very large, and officials warned the death toll may rise.
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