Caracas, Jun 25: At least 164 people have been killed and 971 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction and triggering massive rescue operations across the country.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said rescue teams are working around the clock in the worst-hit regions to save people trapped under collapsed buildings. The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century and were felt across several neighboring countries.
La Guaira state, located on the coast north of Caracas, suffered some of the worst damage and has been declared a “disaster zone.” Television footage showed rescue workers searching through rubble and successfully pulling several survivors, including three children, from collapsed structures. Authorities have shifted additional rescue personnel and equipment to the area to accelerate operations.
“Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and intensive rescue efforts are underway to save lives,” Rodriguez said, urging businesses to provide heavy machinery for the emergency response. United Nations-certified rescue teams are also expected to assist.
In Caracas, residents fled homes and offices as buildings swayed violently. Many spent the night outdoors, in cars, subway stations, and public spaces, fearing aftershocks. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello advised people to remain outside until structural safety assessments are completed.
The earthquakes caused significant damage to infrastructure. Parts of the capital lost electricity and mobile phone connectivity. Operations at Simon Bolivar International Airport were suspended after the facility suffered damage. Metro services were halted, natural gas supplies were shut off, and schools were closed for several days. Some educational institutions are being converted into temporary shelters and donation centers.
Residents described scenes of panic and devastation. Many families struggled to contact loved ones due to communication outages, prompting widespread appeals on social media for information about missing relatives.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake, measuring 7.2 magnitude, struck near the Caribbean coastal city of Moron at a depth of 22 kilometers. A second, stronger 7.5-magnitude quake followed just one minute later at a depth of 10 kilometers.
The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency and announced a USD 200 million reconstruction fund to support repairs to damaged homes, hospitals, and public infrastructure.
Several countries have offered assistance. The United States said it is deploying search-and-rescue teams, medical support, and humanitarian aid. Ecuador has dispatched relief supplies, while Qatar, Mexico, and El Salvador have sent rescue personnel.
The tremors were also felt in parts of Brazil and Colombia, prompting building evacuations. Although tsunami alerts were briefly issued, they were later withdrawn. While major earthquakes are relatively rare in Venezuela, the disaster has highlighted the region’s vulnerability to powerful seismic events.
