Powerful twin earthquakes have killed at least 32 people and injured more than 700 in Venezuela after massive tremors collapsed buildings, damaged critical infrastructure and triggered panic across several regions of the country.
The disaster, which struck on Wednesday, prompted Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, to declare a state of emergency as emergency responders and residents searched through rubble for survivors.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquakes measured magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 and struck the same area within seconds of each other, sending shockwaves across the country and forcing the closure of the nation’s main international airport.
Addressing the nation on Thursday, Rodriguez confirmed the casualty figures.
“At this time, we have received reports of 32 deaths and more than 700 injured,” Mrs Rodriguez said, adding that authorities were still gathering information from La Guaira, one of the worst-hit areas near the capital.
She earlier disclosed that at least 20 aftershocks had followed the initial quakes.
Rescue efforts underway
Emergency teams, volunteers and residents worked through the night in affected communities to search for trapped victims.
In Caracas, AFP journalists reported scenes of devastation as rescue efforts intensified around collapsed structures.
One of the most severe incidents involved a 22-storey building in the Altamira district, where volunteers climbed over debris while relatives called out for missing loved ones.
Authorities also ordered precautionary measures in several locations.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged residents to evacuate vulnerable structures.
“We have some damaged structures and we don’t want any kind of accident involving gas to occur,” Mr Cabello said, explaining that gas supplies had been cut to selected buildings.
The Maiquetia International Airport near Caracas was temporarily shut after sustaining significant structural damage.
Eyewitness accounts
Residents described moments of fear as the earthquakes struck.
A bank employee, Odalis Escalona, recounted the experience.
“The stairs came away, the whole wall cracked. Things fell from the ceiling. It was horrible,” Ms Escalona said.
A shopkeeper, Heidi Romero, who was inside a shopping complex during the tremor, said evacuation became necessary.
“It was unbelievable. We went out through the emergency stairs; that’s how they got us out,” Ms Romero said.
Another resident, Carmen Guedez, explained that she remained inside with her bedridden sister during the shaking.
“It kept getting stronger. I started to see the windows begin to move and then everything shook,” Mrs Guedez said.
International reaction
United States President Donald Trump expressed condolences and offered support following the disaster.
“The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help,” Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that federal agencies had been directed to prepare emergency assistance.
Authorities said the strongest impacts were recorded in La Guaira, Trujillo, Carabobo and Miranda states.
The tremors were also felt outside Venezuela, including in Colombia, where precautionary evacuations took place.
Colombia’s National Seismological Network confirmed receiving hundreds of tremor reports nationwide, although officials ruled out tsunami threats.
The US National Tsunami Warning Center also stated there was no tsunami danger following the earthquakes.
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