Rescue efforts continue after twin earthquakes hit Venezuela

Rescue crews in Venezuela are racing to find people trapped under rubble after two powerful earthquakes struck near Caracas on Wednesday. The quakes, measured at magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, caused widespread damage, killed hundreds, and left many more missing. Health officials said at least 235 bodies had been taken to medical centres and about 4,300 people were injured. Authorities also said dozens of buildings were damaged or destroyed, including hospitals, the Venezuelan Red Cross headquarters and the French Embassy. The hardesthit areas include La Guaira state, where officials said tens of thousands of families were affected and the main airport near Caracas was closed after damage. Emergency workers and volunteers continued searching through collapsed structures as aftershocks and power outages complicated the response. Canada said it would send $5 million in humanitarian aid, while other countries also pledged assistance.