The UN has called for international solidarity and collective efforts to aid rescue operations following twin earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday.

The UN emergency chief, Tom Fletcher, said the Urban Search and Rescue Teams, through the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group, are working swiftly with state authorities to ensure an immediate response to the disaster.

“Devastating Venezuela earthquakes. I’m in close contact with our team in Caracas to ensure a full and urgent response, including search and rescue support and emergency relief for survivors. International solidarity is coming in. We’ll need all hands on deck,” Mr Fletcher said.

In the late hours of Wednesday, the first tremor, according to the US Geological Survey, measured 7.2 on the Richter scale, with the epicentre near the city of San Felipe, which is home to over 200,000 residents.

The second quake was reportedly the country’s strongest earthquake in more than 125 years, measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale. The catastrophic tremors have left more than 200 people confirmed dead, over 4,000 injured, and thousands missing.

La Guaira, on the northern coast of the country, is the worst-hit state, with the disaster destroying over 100 buildings and affecting more than 70,000 families.

The government of Venezuela declared a state of emergency on Wednesday due to the disaster, forcing the closure of the country’s main airport, Maiquetia International Airport.

The UN, along with its agencies and international rescue teams, has begun deploying to the country to facilitate rescue efforts. Countries including Mexico, Colombia, Canada, the US, Iran, El Salvador, and Turkiye have sent humanitarian aid to the people of Venezuela.

The tremors have also resulted in the death of three Europeans—an Italian and two Spaniards—while 80 remain missing.

Spain has confirmed in a statement through its Foreign Ministry that two of its citizens have died in the disaster, with the victims identified by their families.

Italy’s foreign ministry confirmed the death of a dual Italian-Venezuelan national. It added that over 170,000 Italians reside in Venezuela, and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani promised to send Italian emergency personnel and military planes to aid rescue efforts following the earthquakes.