Venezuela is facing a major humanitarian disaster after two powerful earthquakes struck the country within seconds of each other, killing at least 164 people and injuring 971. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said the figures remain provisional as rescue teams continue searching for survivors, particularly in La Guaira state, where the destruction has been the most severe and many areas remain difficult to access.
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit late Wednesday night about 160 kilometers west of Caracas. As a result, dozens of residential and commercial buildings collapsed or suffered heavy structural damage, while widespread power outages left thousands of residents without electricity. Authorities declared La Guaira a disaster zone and launched large-scale emergency operations across the affected regions.
Meanwhile, rescue workers are racing against time to locate people trapped beneath rubble in cities including Catia La Mar and parts of Caracas. Emergency officials have appealed for additional technical equipment and specialized rescue teams to support ongoing operations. Several districts in the capital also reported fatalities after buildings collapsed, while hospitals were placed on high alert to handle the growing number of injured victims.
Furthermore, the disaster disrupted key infrastructure across the country. Venezuela’s main international airport in Maiquetia was temporarily closed because of damage, and officials suspended classes for the remainder of the week. Although the country’s oil facilities escaped significant damage, authorities warned that prolonged power outages could affect crude production if electricity services are not restored quickly.
International support has begun arriving as several countries offered assistance and rescue resources. United States President Donald Trump expressed readiness to help relief efforts, while leaders from across Latin America conveyed solidarity with the Venezuelan people. Rodriguez said the government is coordinating incoming aid as emergency crews continue rescue operations and damage assessments in the hardest-hit communities.
The earthquakes triggered panic across Caracas, forcing residents to flee homes and apartment buildings as strong shaking rattled the capital. Witnesses described scenes of chaos, with falling debris, damaged structures and frightened families gathering in open spaces throughout the night. Seismologists warned that the final death toll could rise further as rescue teams gain access to devastated areas and continue recovery efforts.