Rescue efforts intensified on Thursday in the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, leaving widespread devastation in the coastal city of Catia La Mar and surrounding areas in La Guaira state. The US Geological Survey recorded the quakes at magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, with the epicenter near Morón, approximately 28 kilometers from the capital, Caracas.

Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, reported that the confirmed death toll had risen to 589, with over 2,980 people injured. Authorities expect the number of casualties to increase as thousands remain unaccounted for amid the rubble. Rodríguez declared La Guaira a disaster zone and announced that the area would be “militarised” to coordinate emergency response efforts more effectively. A state of emergency was declared on Wednesday, and the region’s main airport sustained damage and remains closed.

In Catia La Mar, scenes of destruction were widespread. Residential buildings, hotels, and apartments were reduced to piles of concrete and twisted metal. Survivors described the absence of organized rescue teams or heavy equipment, with many residents relying on their own efforts to search for survivors. Orlando Requena, a local resident who fled with his daughter, said that they were still awaiting government guidance and were uncertain about the safety of returning to damaged homes.

Many homes that remained standing showed severe structural damage, including large cracks and signs of subsidence. Fearing further collapse due to aftershocks, displaced residents created makeshift shelters in the streets, while officials began relocating some survivors to a stadium. In the capital Caracas, several buildings also collapsed, and volunteers collected supplies such as food, water, and medicine to aid those affected in La Guaira. Power and telecommunications services were largely disrupted in the region, and there were some reports of looting. Hospitals were overwhelmed with the injured.

International assistance has started to arrive. The United States pledged $150 million in aid and committed to sending specialized search-and-rescue teams, in addition to providing airlift and coordination support. Washington’s involvement has come amid shifts in its relationship with Venezuela’s leadership. Following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, the country’s former authoritarian president, U.S.-backed Rodríguez took over, pursuing reforms to attract foreign investment, particularly in the oil and mining sectors. Concurrently, the U.S. has begun easing punitive sanctions imposed during the previous administration.

Multilateral institutions have also communicated their willingness to assist. The World Bank stated it was in contact with Venezuelan authorities to determine appropriate support measures, including technical assistance and coordination with international partners. Venezuela is currently negotiating with the International Monetary Fund on restructuring a public debt estimated at $240 billion, which would become the largest sovereign debt restructuring in history.

The earthquakes struck near Morón, home to a major oil refinery, which local firefighters reported was resuming operations after a precautionary shutdown. American energy company Chevron, responsible for roughly one-fifth of Venezuela’s daily crude output, confirmed it remained operational.

Despite these efforts, conditions in Catia La Mar remain critical. Residents like Adriana Campos highlighted urgent needs for water, food, and shelter, especially for children suffering amid the crisis. Authorities and aid organizations continue to work against the clock to rescue those trapped and provide relief to the thousands displaced by the disaster.