The devastating news of the twin earthquakes that struck the coast of Venezuela has left the world in shock. Argentine soccer player Lucas Trejo received the heartbreaking news that his wife and two children were found dead after a 74-hour search.
The powerful earthquakes occurred on Wednesday evening, with the first measuring 7.1 in magnitude and its epicenter located west of the community of Morón. The second quake, a magnitude of 7.5, had a depth of 10 kilometers and its epicenter was 16 kilometers southwest of Morón.
Searching for survivors has been a grueling task, with the latest figures showing 1,430 confirmed deaths and over 3,000 injured. The estimates for those still missing range from 50,000 to nearly 69,000 people unaccounted for.
Former Major League Baseball player Gorkys Hernández lost his wife, Deisy Tovar de Hernández, 36, who died when the Hotel Eduard in La Guaira collapsed. The couple had only been married for six months.
The United States has pledged a robust response, including $150 million in assistance, search-and-rescue teams, and coordination with partners. President Trump has expressed his intent to help, writing on social media that the US stands ready, willing, and able to assist the people of Venezuela.
A family friend of the Trejo family shared the devastating news on social media, asking for respect and prayers for the family at this time. The club where Trejo plays said that they had been searching for his wife and children for 74 hours before they were found deceased.
The international community is coming together to support the people of Venezuela in this time of need. As the search and rescue efforts continue, the world waits with bated breath for any news of those still missing.
