Rescuers in Venezuela were racing against time and using heavy machinery on Friday to find and rescue people trapped under the rubble of the deadly earthquakes that struck the country. The toll so far stands at 235 dead, thousands injured and missing, and dozens of homes leveled. More than 200 people are trapped in the rubble.

Rescue teams from abroad have begun arriving in the country to provide assistance. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a state of emergency.

SEE ALSO: Venezuela Bleeds: “Armageddon” After Deadly Earthquakes; Death Toll Reaches 235

Rescue efforts are proceeding slowly, and many bodies remain trapped in the rubble two days after the powerful earthquake.

The U.S. announced that it is deploying two warships, transport planes, and helicopters, and is mobilizing $150 million in aid.

In the hardest-hit state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, residents are digging with their bare hands in search of survivors.

Earthquakes of similar magnitude claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people in Haiti in January 2010 and 73,000 people in Kashmir in October 2005, suggesting that the death toll in Venezuela is likely to rise.

The earthquake was felt in neighboring Colombia, where residents of Bogotá evacuated buildings as a precaution.

SEE ALSO: Venezuela: Hundreds Dead, Thousands Injured: Shocking Images from the Rubble

Nine Portuguese and three Spanish nationals lost their lives in the two major earthquakes in Venezuela, which claimed the lives of at least 235 people, the foreign ministries of both countries announced on Friday.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that 99 Spanish citizens are missing and another four are trapped under the rubble.

The Spanish community in Venezuela numbers 147,000 people, according to data from the Spanish government, which does not specify how many have dual citizenship, which is quite common.

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Furthermore, the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that 56 of its citizens are missing.

Spain has sent one million euros in financial aid through the Red Cross to meet the most urgent needs. The country’s Ministry of Defense announced the arrival in Venezuela of a plane carrying 59 military rescue workers, two engineers, and eight units with search dogs.

Portugal announced that Lisbon would seek to provide assistance “based on needs.”

It noted that the country’s airports are closed, but the possibility of sending rescue teams is being considered.

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