Two powerful, consecutive earthquakes hit Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, and its surrounding areas, causing severe destruction. According to preliminary official data released by the country’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, at least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured. Experts fear that the casualty toll will rise; the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates a high probability that the death toll could exceed 10,000, as rescue operations continue amid the rubble.
The first earthquake measured magnitude 7.2, followed just a minute later by another tremor of magnitude 7.5. The seismic activity was recorded at 18:04 local time during a national holiday, when most of the population was at home. The epicenter was located west of the capital, but the tremors were so powerful that they were felt as far away as Bogotá, the capital of neighboring Colombia. Following the main quakes, more than 20 aftershocks were recorded in the region.
The situation in the capital remains critical. In one of Caracas’ municipalities, the total collapse of two high-rise buildings claimed three lives, and rescuers can hear citizens calling for help from beneath the debris. The city is experiencing a total blackout and a complete loss of mobile coverage, severely hindering communication and information gathering.
Due to infrastructure damage, the Caracas metro system and railways are completely paralyzed. At Maiquetía International Airport, all flights were canceled and the airfield was shut down following a ceiling collapse. Educational activities nationwide have been suspended until the end of the week. Authorities have urged residents to evacuate their homes for safety reasons, leaving thousands of citizens to spend the night outdoors in streets and parks.
Amid the declared state of emergency, Venezuela is being offered international assistance. U.S. President Donald Trump announced that America stands ready to immediately join the humanitarian efforts and dispatch rescue teams. Concurrently, Latin American nations have expressed their support; El Salvador has already dispatched 300 rescuers and 50 tons of equipment to Caracas, while Ecuador, Brazil, and Mexico are preparing aid packages.
