Rescuers in Venezuela have pulled a woman alive from the rubble of a collapsed building following powerful earthquakes that struck the nation.

Graciela Mora was rescued in La Guaira, one of the areas most devastated by the seismic activity. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, are among the strongest to hit the region in over a century, causing widespread destruction and significant casualties.

Mora sustained injuries, including a broken finger, but survived the ordeal. She recounted holding the hand of a friend who was with her at the time, who tragically died in the collapse, stating she did not want her friend to die alone.

Officials report that at least 235 people have been killed and 4,300 injured across Venezuela. Many individuals are still believed to be trapped or missing under the debris, with rescue efforts ongoing.

The powerful tremors were felt across a wide geographical area, exacerbating the damage and complicating emergency response operations. The scale of the destruction has prompted a national mobilization of rescue teams and aid.

La Guaira, a key port city, has been identified as one of the hardest-hit locations, with numerous buildings sustaining severe damage or total collapse. The resilience of survivors like Graciela Mora offers a glimmer of hope amidst the extensive devastation.

Authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage and the ongoing rescue operations. The number of fatalities and injuries is expected to rise as search efforts persist in affected areas.

This event underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure in seismically active regions and the critical importance of rapid and effective disaster response in the aftermath of major earthquakes.