Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez said that saving human lives is the government’s top priority following a powerful earthquake that struck the country. She confirmed that authorities are working to rescue people trapped under collapsed buildings and that international rescue teams from the United States, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and El Salvador are expected to arrive within hours.

Rodríguez described La Guaira state, north of Caracas, as the most affected area, calling it a disaster zone and a true tragedy after dozens of buildings collapsed. She noted that at least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured, though the death toll does not yet include figures from La Guaira. The government has prepared hotels and shelters for those who lost their homes and suspended all nonessential public and educational activities.

The Venezuelan government also announced the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport due to severe terminal damage, halting all operations until further notice.