Rodríguez declared the state of La Guaira a “disaster zone” after dozens of buildings crumbled.

She described the event as a “true tragedy” and warned that the death toll is expected to rise as more data arrives from affected regions.

The government’s current priority is saving lives and rescuing those trapped under the rubble.

Rodríguez confirmed that international rescue teams from the United States, Mexico, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic will arrive within the next few hours to assist local authorities.

According to media reports, all schools and non-essential public services are suspended until further notice.

The government has opened hotels and emergency shelters for thousands of residents who lost their homes in the disaster.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) also issued a rare red alert following the tremors.

Using the PAGER system, the organization estimated that the total loss of life could eventually reach between 10,000 and 100,000 people.

This estimate is based on the earthquake's size, depth, and the high population density in the exposed areas.

Experts noted that because the quakes struck in the evening when many people were inside, the likelihood of residents being unable to evacuate increased significantly.

The USGS will continue to update these figures as more information regarding building quality and ground shaking becomes available.