Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24, killing at least 188 people and injuring 1,520. La Guaira was declared a disaster zone and several countries sent humanitarian aid.
The tremors occurred 39 seconds apart and were followed by 138 aftershocks. The state of La Guaira, near Caracas, was hardest hit with numerous collapsed buildings.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez visited the area and oversaw rescue operations. The government reported 157 missing, though citizen registries exceed 38,000 cases.
The United States approved a $150 million aid package and temporarily eased sanctions. Argentina announced the dispatch of rescuers, doctors and dogs aboard a Hercules plane, along with water purification plants and tents.
Spain, Brazil, Mexico and other countries also offered rescue teams and assistance. The Red Cross began shipments of 40 tons of aid from Panama.
