Venezuela earthquakes: What happens in the first 72 hours?

Rescue teams are racing against time across Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes ripped through the country, leaving hundreds of people dead, thousands injured and many others trapped beneath collapsed buildings. The country’s health minister said at least 235 people have been killed and more than 4,300 wounded, with the death toll expected to rise amid the devastation, which is concentrated in the northern coastal state of La Guaira and in the capital city, Caracas . Recommended Stories list of 3 items end of list The back-to-back earthquakes – measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 – were felt across much of the country and as far away as parts of Brazil, prompting international offers of humanitarian assistance and the dispatch of search and rescue teams from around the world. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has declared a nationwide state of emergency, while Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas has been closed after it was damaged. As rescuers comb through the rubble, every passing hour matters. The first 72 hours after a major earthquake are widely regarded as the most critical period for saving lives. During that window, emergency responders race to free survivors before dehydration, crush injuries and collapsing buildings dramatically reduce the chances of survival. Here’s what typically happens – and all the factors which must be considered during rescue efforts – during those crucial first three days after a major earthquake. …