Rescue efforts are underway following the earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, occurring just 39 seconds apart. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates between 10,000 and 100,000 deaths.

Specialized rescue teams coordinated by the UN are on their way to Venezuela to take part in search operations for missing people, possibly trapped under the rubble, following the two earthquakes that struck the country, the Venezuelan interim president announced.

“[The rescuers] are already on their way to our country to participate in these efforts,” declared Delcy Rodríguez in a televised address.

The interim president of Venezuela added that she had spoken with several foreign leaders and with a representative of the United Nations (UN) in Venezuela.

Rubio promises "large, rapid and effective" U.S. aid

The U.S. Secretary of State said that the United States will provide Venezuela with a "comprehensive government response" after the country was struck on Wednesday by two earthquakes measuring above 7 on the Richter scale.

U.S. assistance "will be large, rapid and effective," Marco Rubio promised, according to CNN.

"We are already sending search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and from Los Angeles. Additional teams will be added," Rubio told journalists during a visit to Bahrain.

He added that the "most immediate need" of the Venezuelan authorities is related to "search and rescue efforts."

UN urges Venezuelan government to restore access to social media and news media

The UN Independent International Mission for Venezuela is urging the Venezuelan government to restore access to social media and news outlets, considering that the population's access to information will be "a matter of life or death."

"It is vital that CONATEL, the country's telecommunications regulatory agency, fully restores access to social media and all news media," reads the statement from the UN Independent International Mission for Venezuela.

"In the coming hours and days, access to information will be a matter of life or death. There is no justification for not doing so immediately," the UN stressed.

The United Nations mission expressed solidarity "with all Venezuelans during this difficult time." "For a country already facing enormous challenges, this is a devastating blow," it lamented.

"It is crucial that a full commitment to human rights guides all aspects of the national and international response to this immense tragedy," the United Nations appealed.

Source DN