Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck the country in quick succession, causing widespread destruction, dozens of deaths, and leaving hundreds injured. Authorities fear the casualty count could rise significantly as rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings.
According to The Guardian, Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, confirmed that at least 32 people have died, while hundreds more have been injured following the devastating earthquakes.
Speaking during a televised address on Wednesday night, Rodríguez urged citizens to stay calm and immediately evacuate damaged buildings.
“We ask the population to remain calm and united,” Rodríguez said.
She also confirmed that rescue operations remain ongoing and warned that additional casualties were expected.
Twin Earthquakes Strike Within Seconds
The earthquakes, among the strongest ever recorded in Venezuela, struck shortly after 6 pm on Wednesday.
According to The Guardian, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the country experienced two major earthquakes—a 7.5-magnitude mainshock that was preceded just 39 seconds earlier by a 7.2-magnitude foreshock.
The epicentre was located west of the coastal town of Morón, approximately 168 kilometres (104 miles) west of Caracas, at a depth of around 13 kilometres (8 miles).
The USGS warned that the disaster could have severe humanitarian consequences.
“High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread,” the agency said.
Caracas Suffers Extensive Damage
According to The Guardian, the worst destruction appeared to have occurred in and around Caracas, where buildings collapsed, roads cracked, and thousands of frightened residents rushed into open spaces.
Videos shared on social media showed passengers running through the corridors of Maiquetía International Airport as debris fell from damaged structures.
Rodríguez confirmed that the airport sustained severe damage and announced the suspension of metro and rail services throughout affected areas.
“We send our immediate condolences to those who have lost relatives,” she said, although she did not specify the total number of casualties at that stage.
Casualties Continue to Rise
Reuters reported that at least three people were killed in Caracas’ Baruta district after two buildings collapsed.
Another person died in Chacao district, where Mayor Gustavo Duque confirmed that four buildings had completely collapsed and 22 people had been transported to hospital.
As rescue workers continued clearing debris, authorities warned that the official death toll could rise considerably.
US President Donald Trump also expressed condolences and offered American assistance.
“The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths,” Trump said.
Authorities Warn of Aftershocks
Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello described the destruction as alarming.
“A seismic event that everything suggests was considerably above 7 points has taken place. There are several complicated areas … very alarming areas from the visual point of view, with buildings and homes that have collapsed.”
Cabello also warned residents about continuing seismic activity.
“Normally this kind of event is followed by aftershocks, which could also bring down some structures that were damaged by the main event,” he said.
Authorities urged residents to avoid damaged buildings until engineers complete safety inspections.
Rescue Teams Race Against Time
According to The Guardian, rescue workers, volunteers, and emergency responders searched desperately through collapsed buildings in Altamira, one of Caracas' wealthiest neighbourhoods and home to several foreign embassies.
Some victims remained trapped beneath the rubble as emergency crews worked around the clock.
Outside one collapsed building, a distraught man repeatedly called out for his grandmother, fearing she remained trapped inside.
Teacher Olky Barrero, who joined volunteers assisting rescuers, described the terrifying experience.
“It was horrible,” she said.
“We hope to God that there are as few victims as possible. We’re praying.”
She also recalled the terrifying moments during the earthquake.
“Where I was, it felt like the walls were going to fall on top of us, they were shaking back and forth, this way and that.”
Barrero watched as rescuers pulled survivors from beneath the rubble.
Families Wait for News
For many residents, the hours following the earthquake have been filled with uncertainty.
José Morillo said several members of his family remained trapped inside one of the collapsed apartment buildings.
“My brother, my son and nephews are all inside. I have faith. I believe in God a lot. I hope everyone is OK – but uncertainty is torture,” he said while rescue workers searched the wreckage.
Across Caracas, thick clouds of dust rose above damaged neighbourhoods as frightened residents fled with pets and personal belongings.
Coastal Communities Also Severely Affected
According to The Guardian, La Guaira, the port city north of Caracas, suffered some of the worst destruction.
The city is home to Simón Bolívar International Airport and several densely populated hillside communities.
Among the damaged structures was Eduard’s Hotel Boutique, which was almost completely destroyed.
Nearby, in Catia La Mar, Venezuela’s naval academy and several residential high-rise buildings sustained major structural damage.
The US Embassy in Caracas advised American citizens to avoid damaged areas, remain outside unsafe buildings, and seek secure shelter.
In San Bernardino, another heavily affected district, one witness described the unfolding tragedy.
“There are many injured people inside. It’s a disaster,” the man said outside a collapsed building.
Landslides Add to Rescue Challenges
In Baruta, civil defence teams carried injured residents away from damaged buildings after earthquake-triggered landslides complicated rescue operations.
Mayor Darwin González shared footage on social media showing rescuers pulling a woman alive from beneath collapsed structures.
“We call on people to remain calm and civil at this time,” González wrote.
Messages of Solidarity
Exiled opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado also expressed support for those affected.
Writing on X, she said:
“My heart, my infinite embrace, and my prayers are with every Venezuelan home in these hours of anguish. May strength, serenity and solidarity prevail among us in the face of this difficult moment.”
As rescue operations continue across Venezuela, authorities remain focused on locating survivors, treating the injured, and assessing the full extent of one of the country's most devastating natural disasters in recent history.
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