In a brief broadcast, acting President Delcy Rodríguez said several states across the Latin American country had been severely hit, including the capital, Caracas, where she reported that buildings had collapsed. At least 188 people have died, over 200 are trapped, 157 are reported missing, and over 1,500 have been admitted to hospitals with injuries, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said in a press conference on Thursday just before 2 p.m. local time. Rodríguez also said that 250 buildings have been affected by the quakes, primarily in the state of La Guaira, and that a fund of $200 million had been established for those whose homes were damaged. Officials fear the numbers could rise as rescue efforts continue.
