Venezuela earthquakes leave tens of thousands missing as families search for loved ones
Two earthquakes of rare magnitude struck Venezuela on June 24, seconds apart, with the Caribbean coastal state of La Guaira the hardest hit as entire buildings collapsed within seconds. Tens of thousands of people remain missing and aid has yet to reach many affected areas.
Venezuela's Caribbean coastal state of La Guaira bore the brunt of two powerful earthquakes that struck seconds apart on June 24. Witnesses describe multi-story buildings collapsing within seconds, turning entire streets into piles of rubble.
Authorities say the number of missing runs into the tens of thousands, and many families have had to search the debris themselves rather than wait for official rescue teams. Residents say aid has still not reached some neighborhoods days after the quakes struck.
Disaster specialists say the earthquakes' magnitude was unlike anything the region has seen in recent years. International aid organizations are attempting to deploy teams, but damaged infrastructure and transport difficulties are slowing relief operations.
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