Neighbors dig through Venezuela rubble to search for loved ones after earthquakes kill at least 235

In cities across northern Venezuela, neighbors helped each other dig through rubble to search for loved ones, after back-to-back earthquakes that officials say killed more than 230 people and left thousands injured.The official death toll rose to around 235 late Thursday, with at least 4,300 people injured, Venezuela Health Minister Carlos Alvarado told state media.The number of casualties is expected to climb with thousands reported missing and frantic rescue efforts continuing.The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck Wednesday evening were among the strongest in Venezuela in more than a century and was felt throughout the region.The injured were pulled out covered in dust and blood, among them children.

Venezuelan state TV showed dramatic images of rescues, including a woman who was trapped under a cement slab with only a bare foot poking out before rescuers slid her out alive.But few government search teams were initially seen outside Caracas.The coastal region of La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas, suffered some of the heaviest damage and casualties.

The country’s main airport is there and was closed due to damage, complicating aid efforts.Many were stunned Thursday morning as they saw buildings reduced to skeletons, furniture hanging out of windows and helicopters circling overhead.Buildings were flattened and streets cracked open.Families posted missing-person flyers with photos of loved ones while others shared handwritten lists of names as they searched.

Venezuelans abroad struggled to make contact with relatives due to interrupted phone service in the country.In downtown Caracas, hundreds spent the night huddled in parks, parking lots and other open spaces.Mother of three Dayana Delgado asked where the heavy machinery was that government officials had promised and said residents were the ones digging through crumpled buildings.“I want to know where my child is, if he’s trapped or in a shelter,” she said of her missing 8-year-ol...