Powerful quakes kill 164, injure hundreds in Venezuela
Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing widespread destruction in and around the capital, Caracas. Authorities said at least 164 people lost their lives, while more than 700 others were injured as buildings collapsed and emergency services rushed to affected areas.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck about 160 kilometres west of Caracas. Less than a minute later, a second and even stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor hit, causing further panic and damage.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said the initial casualty figures do not include victims from La Guaira state, one of the worst-hit regions and home to Caracas’ main airport. She warned that the number of deaths and injuries could rise as rescue operations continue. Rodriguez said dozens of buildings had collapsed, and emergency teams were working around the clock to search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble. She described the disaster as a national tragedy and expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones.
The USGS said predictive models suggest the final death toll could reach into the thousands, with a significant possibility that fatalities may exceed 10,000 if the full extent of the destruction is confirmed. Several districts in Caracas reported severe damage. Local officials said multiple buildings collapsed in Baruta and Chacao, killing several people and trapping others under debris. Rescue workers continued searching through damaged structures late into the night.
Video footage showed emergency crews climbing over rubble while worried relatives waited nearby for news about missing family members. Many residents described scenes of chaos and fear as buildings shook violently. Residents across Caracas rushed into the streets after feeling the powerful tremors. Many said they had never experienced an earthquake of such intensity. Some compared the disaster to the deadly 1967 earthquake that struck the capital.
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Authorities briefly issued a tsunami warning after the quakes, but later cancelled it after the threat had passed. The Venezuelan government said international rescue teams and aid assistance were expected to arrive soon. Several countries, including Brazil, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic, offered support following the disaster.
US President Donald Trump said the United States was ready to assist Venezuela in relief efforts. The US State Department also confirmed it was coordinating with Venezuelan authorities regarding emergency assistance. The country’s largest airport in Maiquetia was temporarily closed due to damage, while schools were shut for the remainder of the week as officials assessed losses and safety risks.
Hospitals in Caracas activated emergency plans and increased staffing levels to handle the growing number of injured people arriving for treatment. Officials said Venezuela’s oil facilities did not appear to have suffered major damage, although concerns remain that prolonged power outages could affect energy production in some areas.
