A Venezuelan reporter on the ground provided an update Monday as crews continued search-and-rescue operations following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country over the weekend. Emergency teams and community volunteers have been working around the clock to free people trapped under rubble, treat the injured and account for the missing, the reporter said.
Scenes from affected areas show collapsed buildings, blocked roads and neighborhoods without power or water. Hospitals are treating a surge of patients, and temporary shelters have been set up for families who lost their homes. Rescue workers are using heavy equipment alongside hand crews to reach survivors, and authorities are cautioning residents to stay alert for aftershocks.
Officials and experts have warned the death toll could rise as teams reach more isolated communities. Separate coverage has reported at least 164 people killed, and responders said that figure may climb as rescue efforts continue. Local officials are coordinating relief distribution and assessing structural damage to determine which areas are most urgent.
The reporter highlighted the scale of the challenge, noting both the physical destruction and the emotional toll on survivors. Volunteers have been delivering food, water and basic supplies, while emergency services prioritize search operations and medical care. Communication and transport disruptions are complicating the response in some regions.
Authorities urged residents to follow safety instructions, avoid damaged structures and report missing persons to local coordination centers. International offers of assistance and further updates are expected as assessments continue. The reporter said crews will remain on site through the night, focusing on rescue and recovery as the full extent of the damage becomes clearer.