Live updates: Venezuela earthquakes, death toll rises, rescue effort underway

Key Points:

• Venezuelan forces continue search-and-rescue operations using specialized machinery to find people trapped under rubble after twin earthquakes, with officials urging the public to allow civil protection teams to work without interference.
• International aid is pouring into Venezuela, with countries including the US, Colombia, Spain, Mexico, and others deploying rescue teams, medical personnel, and humanitarian supplies to assist in relief efforts following the devastating quakes.
• Human rights organizations have called for the Venezuelan government to lift censorship on online platforms and release political prisoners, emphasizing the need for transparency and access to detainees amid the crisis.
• Survivors and residents report widespread destruction, slow government response, and ongoing challenges such as power outages and blocked roads; many Venezuelans are enduring nights outdoors fearing aftershocks while volunteers and NGOs lead much of the rescue effort.
• The US Treasury has temporarily eased sanctions related to Venezuela to facilitate earthquake relief transactions, and the disaster presents a critical test for acting President Delcy Rodríguez’s leadership amid ongoing political and economic instability.