VENEZUELA: At least 11,000 people have been reported missing following the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela, deepening fears as search-and-rescue efforts continue across the country.
Residents described scenes of panic and destruction after the quakes, with many struggling to cope with the uncertainty surrounding the fate of their loved ones. People in contact with local communities said many survivors remained traumatised by the scale of the disaster and the lack of information about those still unaccounted for.
One resident told local contacts that several buildings collapsed during the earthquakes, while a large crack opened in a roadway, highlighting the extensive damage caused by the tremors. The earthquakes struck during a long holiday weekend in Venezuela, meaning many people were at home when the disaster occurred.
Emergency teams are continuing search-and-rescue operations in the capital, Caracas, as authorities work to locate survivors and assess the full extent of the devastation.
A political opposition group has launched an online platform allowing people to report missing relatives through social media. According to the latest figures collected through the initiative, at least 11,000 people have been reported missing.
However, organisers cautioned that the number only reflects reports submitted by individuals who have been able to access the internet and contact authorities or support groups. The actual number of missing people could be significantly higher as rescue efforts and communication networks continue to be restored.