At least 32 people have been confirmed dead and more than 700 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within less than a minute of each other, causing widespread destruction across several parts of the country, including the capital, Venezuela.
The casualty figures were announced by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez during an early Thursday address on state television. She noted that the reported figures do not include possible casualties from La Guaira, which she described as a “true tragedy” and a “disaster zone.”
According to the United States Geological Survey, the first earthquake originated near the town of San Felipe, approximately 100 miles west of Caracas. Just 39 seconds later, a second and more powerful earthquake measuring 7.5 magnitude struck near the town of Yumare.
The USGS warned that, “High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread.”
The earthquakes, which occurred shortly after 6 p.m., are regarded as among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century.
Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and announced the temporary closure of Caracas airport due to extensive damage. She also ordered the suspension of schools and other non-essential activities.
Expressing sympathy to affected families, she revealed that at least 20 aftershocks had already been recorded.
“What I ask is that we act in national unity, with calm, and that we know that together we will overcome this tragedy,” the president said.
Several countries and humanitarian organisations have pledged support to Venezuela following the disaster, including China, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.
U.S. President Donald Trump also announced assistance efforts.
“I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!!” Trump wrote on social media.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian aid were being deployed.
Rodríguez later thanked the U.S. government and disclosed that she had spoken directly with Rubio, although details of their discussion were not made public.
In Falcón, Governor Víctor Clark said rescue workers were searching for 15 people trapped beneath collapsed structures. He added that at least 35 people had been injured in the state.
Seismologist Lucy Jones described the event as one of the most damaging earthquake scenarios due to its strength and the population density of the affected areas.
“This is one of the really great, very difficult, very damaging earthquakes, because you combined a very large event with residences of a lot of people,” Jones said.
Witnesses in Caracas described chaotic scenes as buildings swayed violently and walls crumbled.
“The scene was like a horror movie,” one resident told Reuters. “We had to climb over the rubble and everything.”
Another resident, Roberto Damas, recounted the terrifying experience.
“The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong. We were walking and it was tossing us around. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out.”
Authorities have urged residents to remain outdoors where possible, warning that ongoing aftershocks could further weaken damaged buildings.
The disaster comes at a difficult time for Venezuela, which continues to face significant economic and humanitarian challenges. According to the United Nations, nearly eight million people in the country were already in need of assistance before the earthquakes struck.
Humanitarian organisations, including World Vision, have activated emergency response plans to support affected communities as rescue and recovery efforts continue across the country.
