Caracas, Venezuela – Venezuela has been hit by two powerful earthquakes that caused widespread destruction across the country, leaving at least 32 people dead and more than 700 injured, according to government officials.
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within minutes of each other west of the capital, Caracas, sending residents rushing into the streets as buildings collapsed and infrastructure suffered extensive damage.
Authorities declared a national state of emergency as rescue teams worked through the night searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed residential and commercial buildings. Several districts in Caracas and nearby La Guaira were among the hardest-hit areas.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez described the disaster as a national tragedy and expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones. She confirmed that emergency services remain engaged in intensive rescue operations while international assistance is being mobilized.
Witnesses reported scenes of panic as buildings shook violently. Video footage circulating online showed damaged structures, debris-covered streets, and rescue workers searching for survivors in collapsed buildings.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned that the true scale of the disaster may be significantly higher than initial estimates, with fears that casualties could rise as rescue operations continue and authorities gain access to severely affected areas.
Hospitals in Caracas have reportedly been overwhelmed by injured residents, while schools were closed and emergency shelters established for displaced families.
Despite the devastation, preliminary assessments indicated that Venezuela’s major oil facilities escaped significant damage, although power outages and infrastructure disruptions may affect operations in some areas.
Rescue teams from neighboring countries and international humanitarian organizations are expected to assist recovery efforts as Venezuela confronts one of the most destructive natural disasters in its recent history.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert for aftershocks while emergency workers continue searching for survivors and assessing the full extent of the damage.
