Venezuela Earthquake Today: Powerful Double Earthquake Strikes Caracas, Dozens Feared Dead as Rescue Operations Continue

Venezuela Hit by Two Powerful Earthquakes, Triggering Widespread Destruction

Caracas, Venezuela: Venezuela has been devastated by two powerful earthquakes that struck within seconds of each other, causing widespread destruction across the capital, Caracas, and surrounding regions. Authorities have confirmed at least 32 deaths, while hundreds of people have been injured. Emergency officials warn that the death toll could increase significantly as rescue operations continue.

The back-to-back earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, making them the strongest seismic events to hit Venezuela in more than a century, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

State of Emergency Declared in Venezuela

Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, declared a nationwide state of emergency following the disaster, urging residents to evacuate damaged buildings and remain alert for aftershocks.

In a televised address, Rodríguez expressed condolences to the victims' families and assured citizens that emergency response teams had been deployed across the affected regions.

"We ask the population to remain calm, stay united, and follow all safety instructions," she said.

Authorities also confirmed that Simón Bolívar International Airport suffered significant structural damage and has been temporarily closed. Metro and railway services across Caracas have also been suspended as engineers inspect critical infrastructure.

USGS Warns of Extensive Damage and High Casualty Risk

According to the USGS, the first earthquake was a 7.2-magnitude foreshock, followed just 39 seconds later by a 7.5-magnitude mainshock.

The epicenter was located near the coastal community of Morón, approximately 170 kilometers west of Caracas, at a shallow depth of 13 kilometers, increasing the intensity of ground shaking.

The USGS warned that:

• High casualties are likely.
• Extensive structural damage has occurred.
• The disaster may impact a large portion of northern Venezuela.

Experts also cautioned that powerful aftershocks could further damage weakened buildings and infrastructure.

Caracas Suffers Severe Structural Damage

The capital city experienced the most significant destruction, with numerous residential and commercial buildings collapsing across several districts.

Residents fled offices, apartments, shopping centers, and public transport stations as powerful tremors shook the city.

Emergency crews responded to multiple building collapses in areas including:

• Altamira
• Baruta
• Chacao
• San Bernardino

Videos circulating on social media showed panic-stricken residents running through streets while clouds of dust rose from collapsed buildings.

Several victims remain trapped beneath the rubble as search-and-rescue teams continue recovery operations.

Airport, Public Transport, and Critical Infrastructure Affected

Officials confirmed that Venezuela's primary international gateway, Simón Bolívar International Airport, sustained severe damage and has suspended all operations until safety inspections are completed.

Public transportation services, including Caracas Metro and rail networks, have also been halted as engineers assess bridges, tunnels, and railway systems.

Power outages and communication disruptions have also been reported in several parts of the country.

Rescue Teams Race Against Time

Emergency responders, firefighters, civil defense personnel, and volunteers have been working around the clock to rescue survivors trapped inside collapsed buildings.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as families searched desperately for missing relatives.

Many residents spent the night outdoors, fearing additional aftershocks.

Officials continue to urge citizens to avoid damaged buildings and follow emergency evacuation instructions.

International Community Offers Assistance

Following the disaster, international leaders expressed solidarity with Venezuela.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that search-and-rescue teams, medical aid, and emergency relief resources would be deployed to support ongoing rescue efforts.

The U.S. Embassy in Caracas also advised American citizens to avoid damaged structures and remain in safe locations until further notice.

Coastal Areas Among the Hardest Hit

The coastal city of La Guaira, located north of Caracas, also suffered extensive destruction.

One beachfront hotel was nearly destroyed, while residential buildings and the Venezuelan Naval Academy sustained significant structural damage.

Emergency officials are continuing damage assessments throughout coastal communities.

Authorities Warn of Dangerous Aftershocks

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned that additional aftershocks remain a serious threat and could trigger further building collapses.

Authorities have urged residents to:

• Stay away from damaged buildings.
• Follow evacuation orders.
• Monitor official emergency updates.
• Prepare emergency supplies.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.

Rescue Operations Continue

Search-and-rescue efforts remain underway as emergency teams work to locate survivors beneath collapsed buildings.

Officials expect casualty figures to change as assessments continue across affected regions.

The government has pledged to provide emergency shelter, medical assistance, and humanitarian aid to families impacted by one of the most destructive earthquakes in Venezuela's modern history.

(Inputs from agencies)