A powerful earthquake struck Venezuela, resulting in a rapidly increasing death toll currently exceeding 235. Authorities report approximately 42,000 people remain missing, prompting a desperate race against time for rescue teams. Recovery efforts are being hampered by limited resources, with reports indicating some teams are relying on manual excavation. International aid is arriving, including military assets – ships and aircraft – dispatched by the United States. International rescue personnel are also en route to assist in the search for survivors amidst the rubble. The situation remains critical as hopes diminish with each passing hour, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.