Venezuelans have turned to social media and online registries to locate relatives reported missing after two large earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday evening.

Health Minister Carlos Alvarado reported that the death toll rose to about 235 and that at least 4,300 people were injured, with casualty numbers expected to increase.

The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes caused widespread damage across several states, particularly in La Guaira north of Caracas, where many buildings collapsed.

Independent registries have recorded up to 40,000 people missing, far exceeding official government figures. Relatives have posted photos and personal information on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and X to seek updates.

Vanesa Marcano, a 31‑year‑old woman living in Madrid, posted images of her uncle and aunt from La Guaira, hoping they were only out of contact. She said she felt uncertainty about their condition.

Hughes Concalves, a resident of Catia La Mar, last spoke with his partner and her daughter minutes before the shaking; after the quake he posted a missing notice on X and Facebook, expressing hope that they survived.

The government had blocked several social media services in August 2024, complicating information flow. The United Nations called on authorities to restore unrestricted access to social media, saying timely information can save lives. Following the appeal, access to X was restored in Venezuela.

Many Venezuelans living abroad rely on these platforms to contact family members, as migration has left millions unable to obtain reliable updates.

The search remains ongoing, with families hoping for rescue or confirmation of their relatives' condition.