Search continues for dozens of deported Venezuelans trapped in earthquake-damaged hotel

Authorities and emergency responders are searching for more than 100 people who were recently deported from the United States when a building collapsed during a series of earthquakes in Venezuela. The individuals, who had arrived on a US deportation flight just hours before the tremors began, were being housed in a hotel or shelter located in La Guaira.

Reports from several news outlets indicate that approximately 146 Venezuelans were part of the group deported from U.S. territory. According to the New York Times and Al Jazeera, these individuals were moved to the facility shortly before the twin earthquakes struck the region on Wednesday. The collapse of the structure has left many of those recently arrived missing or confirmed dead.

Local search teams are currently working through the rubble to locate survivors. The Los Angeles Times reports that dozens of the deportees are trapped under debris following the structural failure. While the exact number of casualties among the deported group is not yet finalized, officials have confirmed that a significant portion of the group remains unaccounted for.

In addition to the situation involving the deported Venezuelans, the U.S. State Department has confirmed that three American nationals died in the same earthquake zone. The department also reports that 12 other Americans remain missing as rescue and recovery efforts continue across the affected areas of the South American country.

Local authorities are coordinating with international observers to manage the search-and-rescue operations. The scope of the damage to the specific facility where the deportees were held is still being assessed, but the focus remains on locating those who were in the building at the time of the seismic activity.