The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 235, with authorities confirming that foreign nationals were among those killed in one of the country's deadliest natural disasters in more than a century. The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction across northern Venezuela and sending powerful tremors across neighbouring countries. Rescue operations continue as emergency teams search for survivors and assess the full extent of the damage.

According to official updates, the powerful earthquakes caused the collapse of buildings, extensive infrastructure damage and numerous casualties, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira, one of the worst-affected regions. Rescue workers have been pulling survivors from the rubble, while hospitals continue treating hundreds of injured people. Images from the disaster zone showed victims, including children, being rescued covered in dust and blood as emergency services worked around the clock.

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Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that two Brazilian citizens—a man and a woman—were among those who lost their lives in the disaster. The ministry said it is providing consular assistance to the victims' families and remains in contact with Venezuelan authorities regarding the situation. Brazil shares a long border with Venezuela, and many Brazilian nationals regularly travel or reside in the neighbouring country.

Italy has also confirmed the death of an Italian-Venezuelan dual national. According to Italy's Foreign Ministry, the victim, a man in his mid-50s who was born in Caracas, died when a building collapsed in La Guaira during the earthquake. Italian officials noted that approximately 170,000 Italian passport holders currently live in Venezuela, and authorities are continuing to monitor the welfare of their citizens following the disaster.

The earthquakes rank among the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than 100 years and were felt across several countries in the region. The twin tremors triggered panic among residents, damaged homes, businesses and public infrastructure, and complicated rescue operations due to aftershocks and unstable structures. Authorities have urged people to remain cautious while emergency responders continue search and recovery efforts.

As rescue and relief operations progress, officials expect the casualty figures and damage assessments to change. Governments of affected countries are coordinating with Venezuelan authorities to assist their citizens and provide humanitarian support where required. The disaster has prompted an international response as emergency teams work to locate survivors, assist displaced residents and restore essential services in the hardest-hit areas.

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