At least 188 people have been confirmed dead and more than 30,000 are missing after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other, triggering widespread destruction and a massive international rescue effort.
The earthquakes hit Wednesday evening, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. A magnitude 7.2 quake struck about 160 kilometers west of Caracas, followed just 39 seconds later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor. Authorities say the scale of damage makes this Venezuela’s most severe earthquake in a century.
Rescue teams were still searching through rubble across Caracas and surrounding regions on Thursday, as officials warned the death toll could rise sharply.
Widespread Destruction and Ongoing Rescues
Venezuela’s National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said 1,520 people were injured and at least 200 were still believed trapped under collapsed buildings. He added that 138 aftershocks were recorded following the initial quakes, further complicating rescue efforts.
Residents described chaotic scenes as buildings collapsed and people rushed into the streets. Survivors were pulled from debris, some carried on stretchers as relatives searched for loved ones.
“This was like a horror movie,” said one resident in Caracas, where apartment buildings, homes, and infrastructure were heavily damaged.
La Guaira state, which borders the capital and is home to Venezuela’s main international airport, was among the hardest hit. Officials declared it a disaster zone after multiple buildings collapsed and parts of the airport sustained damage, forcing its closure.
Near the epicenter in Moron, a coastal town in Carabobo state, homes collapsed and utilities were knocked out. Local officials said at least eight people died there, including three children.
International Aid Mobilized
The U.S. government is deploying search-and-rescue teams, medical support, and humanitarian assistance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. Rescue specialists from Mexico, Spain, Qatar, and the United Nations have also been confirmed, Venezuelan officials said.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced emergency measures, including a $200 million relief fund, requests for heavy machinery from private companies, and special credit lines for affected businesses.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimated that fatalities could reach into the thousands, with the possibility of deaths climbing into the tens of thousands given the population density near the epicenter.
Survivors Recall Fear and Confusion
Many residents compared the quake to past disasters, including the 1967 earthquake that killed hundreds.
“I have never experienced anything like it,” said Coro Martinez, a resident of eastern Caracas. Others described people screaming and rushing down stairwells as buildings shook violently.
Power outages and limited cell service continued to hamper rescue and communication efforts in several affected areas, including El Junquito and La Guaira.
The interim government declared a nationwide state of emergency, while the United Nations’ Venezuela human rights mission urged authorities to lift restrictions on social media, saying access to information was critical for saving lives.
FAQs
What caused the disaster in Venezuela?
Two major earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within 39 seconds of each other, causing widespread structural collapse.
How many people are confirmed dead or missing?
Officials have confirmed at least 188 deaths, with more than 30,000 people still reported missing.
Which areas were most affected?
Caracas and La Guaira state suffered extensive damage, along with coastal towns near the quake’s epicenter in Carabobo state.
Is international aid being provided?
Yes. The United States and several other countries have sent or pledged rescue teams, medical aid, and humanitarian assistance.
Could the death toll rise further?
Yes. Authorities and seismic experts warn that fatalities are expected to increase as search operations continue.
