Venezuela has been rocked by one of the most devastating natural disasters in its modern history after two massive earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck within minutes of each other, causing widespread destruction across the country and leaving hundreds feared dead.
The twin earthquakes hit on Wednesday evening near the coastal town of Morón, approximately 160 kilometers west of the capital, Caracas. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake struck at a depth of 22 kilometers before being followed less than a minute later by an even stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor at a shallower depth of 10 kilometers.
Authorities initially confirmed 32 deaths and over 700 injuries, but the toll has risen sharply, with later reports suggesting at least 164 people have died and more than 1,000 injured as rescue operations continue across the worst-hit regions.
Caracas and La Guaira Among Worst-Hit Areas
The capital city, Caracas, witnessed catastrophic structural collapses, including the destruction of multiple residential towers. Rescue teams worked through the night in districts such as Altamira, San Bernardino, and Chacao, where desperate families gathered, hoping for news of loved ones trapped under rubble.
The coastal state of La Guaira, located north of Caracas, has been declared a “disaster zone” by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez. Officials say dozens of buildings have collapsed there, making it one of the hardest-hit regions.
Videos circulating online show widespread devastation, including collapsed hotels, damaged highways, and debris-filled streets as emergency crews race against time to save survivors.
State of Emergency Declared
In a televised address, Rodríguez announced a nationwide state of emergency, urging citizens to remain calm while promising full-scale rescue and relief operations.
“We urge our population to remain united and strong during this tragedy,” Rodríguez said, while also confirming the temporary shutdown of Simón Bolívar International Airport due to structural damage.
Authorities have also suspended gas supplies and metro services in Caracas as a precaution against further accidents.
Schools across affected states have been closed indefinitely, with some campuses being converted into temporary shelters and aid centers for displaced residents.
Thousands Feared Dead, USGS Issues Red Alert
The USGS PAGER system has issued a Red Alert, warning that fatalities could potentially range between 10,000 and 100,000, based on predictive models and the scale of infrastructure collapse.
Experts described the event as a rare seismic doublet, an uncommon phenomenon where two major earthquakes strike in rapid succession, significantly increasing destruction.
At least 30 aftershocks have already been recorded, with seismologists warning that additional strong tremors remain possible in the coming days.
International Aid Begins Mobilizing
Countries worldwide have begun offering support as Venezuela grapples with the disaster.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences and offered assistance, while the **United States** has pledged rapid humanitarian aid and search-and-rescue teams.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry has also begun preparations for a potential emergency deployment. Humanitarian organizations including ZAKA and IsraAid are preparing rescue teams.
Germany has reportedly offered six Airbus A400M transport aircraft to support relief efforts.
Looting and Chaos Add to Crisis
As authorities struggle to stabilize the affected regions, reports of looting have emerged from La Guaira, where supermarkets and stores were targeted amid shortages and panic.
Internet connectivity across Venezuela has also dropped significantly, further complicating rescue coordination and communication.
The disaster comes at a time of political and economic instability for Venezuela, making recovery efforts even more challenging.
What Happens Next?
Rescue workers continue to search through collapsed buildings as the nation braces for further aftershocks. International aid teams are expected to arrive within hours, bringing much-needed equipment, medical supplies, and expertise.
For now, Venezuela remains in a race against time as thousands may still be trapped beneath the rubble in what could become one of Latin America’s deadliest earthquakes in decades.