Twin Earthquakes Strike Venezuela, Killing at Least 164 People

Devastating Tremors Rock Venezuelan Capital

Two powerful earthquakes slammed Venezuela less than a minute apart on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings in the capital, Caracas, and leaving at least 164 people dead. At least 971 people suffered injuries, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced early Thursday following the temblors. The quakes rank among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century, sending residents rushing into the streets and creating scenes of chaos across multiple states.

The disaster struck shortly after 6 p.m. local time on a national holiday. The U.S. Geological Survey identified the epicenter of the first earthquake near the town of San Felipe, about 100 miles west of the capital. The second, larger earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.5, struck only 39 seconds later, near the town of Yumare. The first quake measured magnitude 7.2 and occurred 20.3 kilometers below the surface, while the second struck even closer at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The shallow depth of both earthquakes made the destruction particularly severe, as seismic energy reached the surface with greater intensity. Venezuela lies over the meeting point of two tectonic plates, and experts believe the earthquakes resulted from the sudden release of friction between them. High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread, the USGS warned on its site.

La Guaira Bears the Brunt of Destruction

Those casualty figures did not include possible deaths in the state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, which Rodríguez described as a “true tragedy” and a “disaster zone.” The coastal region suffered the worst damage, with verified footage showing a 10-story hotel in the city reduced to rubble. Images emerging from Venezuela show buildings badly damaged or collapsed due to the tremors. Rescuers worked through the night, searching through debris in Caracas and the nearby coastal city.

People could be heard calling for help from under the debris of damaged buildings. Alan Chung, a schoolteacher in Caracas, described seeing “a cloud of dust” and electricity lines “exploding” after leaving the restaurant he had been in when the quakes hit. Footage shared on social media showed residents rushing into the streets as the ground shook violently beneath them.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed that buildings had been brought down in Caracas. He noted that Trujillo, Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua, and Miranda had also been affected. Rodríguez expressed condolences to Venezuelans who lost family members and noted that 20 aftershocks had been recorded. Another source reported 30 aftershocks following the two earthquakes, according to Rodríguez in statements to state-run television channel Venezolana de Televisión.

Infrastructure Crippled by Seismic Activity

Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and announced on state television that the airport in Caracas was closed because of heavy damage. The main international airport in Maiquetía on the outskirts of Caracas suffered serious damage, forcing authorities to suspend all flights. Video from inside the terminal showed dust and debris falling from the ceiling. School and non-essential activities were suspended, she said.

Hospitals evacuated patients following structural damage to medical facilities. Photographs captured patients lying outside a hospital evacuated after it was damaged in an earthquake in Catia La Mar. The widespread infrastructure damage complicated rescue efforts and emergency response operations. Neighbors helped residents evacuate damaged homes as rescue workers carried injured people to safety through streets filled with rubble and debris.

International Response and Aid Mobilization

The United States pledged to help, as did humanitarian organizations and several other countries, including China, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. President Donald Trump wrote on social media late Wednesday that he had “instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly.” He added that officials would “be there for our new and great friends,” noting that “early reports are not good!!!”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. was “immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance.” Rodríguez thanked Trump and the U.S. government, which she said had been in “permanent contact” with the Venezuelan government. She said later in an X post that she spoke with Rubio by phone but did not share details of the discussion.

She also expressed thanks to the leaders of various nations who sent messages of support. Rodríguez noted that international support was on its way. The disaster serves as the first test of Venezuela’s new relationship with the U.S. following recent political developments.

Nation Unites in Face of Tragedy

“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.

The national holiday meant more people were at home than on a typical weekday when the disaster struck. This circumstance likely influenced both the casualty count and the nature of rescue operations, as families gathered together faced the tremors in residential areas rather than scattered across workplaces. Emergency responders faced the monumental task of searching through collapsed structures while coordinating international aid efforts and managing ongoing aftershock risks.

The earthquakes represent one of the most significant natural disasters to hit Venezuela in modern history. The combination of shallow depth, high magnitude, and proximity to densely populated areas created ideal conditions for catastrophic damage. As rescue operations continue, authorities expect the death toll to rise as workers reach areas previously inaccessible due to rubble and structural instability.