CARACAS, June 25 — Venezuela is reeling from one of the worst natural disasters in its modern history after two powerful earthquakes struck within seconds of each other, causing widespread destruction across the country and leaving thousands feared dead or trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck western Venezuela on Wednesday evening before powerful tremors spread across large parts of the country, including the capital Caracas. Buildings collapsed, transportation networks were disrupted, and emergency services were overwhelmed as rescue teams raced through the night to search for survivors.
Authorities declared a national state of emergency as hospitals struggled to cope with a growing number of casualties and aftershocks continued to shake affected regions. More than 20 aftershocks were recorded in the hours following the initial earthquakes, further complicating rescue efforts.
Death Toll Expected to Rise Sharply
Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez said at least 164 people had been confirmed dead and 971 injured as of Thursday, but warned that the figures were expected to increase significantly as emergency crews reached the hardest-hit areas.
Speaking in a national address, Rodríguez said rescue operations were continuing around the clock.
“At this time, we have received reports of 32 deaths and more than 700 injured,” she said earlier Thursday before updated figures emerged, adding that authorities still lacked complete information from some of the worst-affected regions. The remarks were made during a televised national briefing as emergency assessments were underway across the country.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued an alarming preliminary assessment indicating that fatalities could ultimately exceed 10,000, with some models suggesting the potential for an even higher toll if large numbers of people remain trapped in collapsed structures.
Caracas and La Guaira Among Hardest-Hit Areas
The destruction has been particularly severe in Caracas and the neighboring coastal state of La Guaira, where residential towers, commercial buildings, and public infrastructure suffered extensive damage.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as buildings swayed violently and streets filled with dust from collapsing structures. Rescue workers searched through mountains of rubble while desperate families gathered nearby hoping for news of missing relatives.
An AFP reporter in La Guaira observed numerous buildings either completely collapsed or severely damaged. Many residents spent the night outdoors due to fears of additional aftershocks. Electricity outages and communication disruptions further complicated relief efforts.
One of the most emotional scenes unfolded outside a collapsed residential building in Caracas, where families called out to loved ones believed to be trapped inside. Rescue teams used specialized equipment to detect signs of life beneath the debris.
Strongest Earthquakes in More Than a Century
According to USGS data, the 7.5-magnitude earthquake was the most powerful to strike Venezuela since the 1900 San Narciso earthquake, which caused extensive destruction in the region more than a century ago.
The first earthquake struck shortly after 6 p.m. local time. A second, even stronger tremor followed within less than a minute, creating what seismologists describe as a seismic doublet — a rare and particularly destructive phenomenon in which two major earthquakes occur in rapid succession.
The earthquakes also triggered tsunami alerts in parts of the Caribbean, although authorities later downgraded or lifted several warnings as further assessments became available.
International Aid Begins to Arrive
As the scale of the disaster became clear, governments and international organizations around the world began offering assistance.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and said India was prepared to help recovery efforts.
“Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela,” Modi said in a statement issued Thursday. “India stands ready to extend all possible assistance.” The statement was released by the Indian government following reports of widespread destruction and casualties.
The European Union activated its Copernicus satellite emergency mapping system to support disaster response efforts. Germany announced it was prepared to deploy military transport aircraft, while several other countries offered rescue teams, medical supplies, and humanitarian assistance.
Acting President Rodríguez also revealed that she had spoken by telephone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who conveyed condolences and offered support for relief operations.
Existing Crises Could Complicate Recovery
The disaster comes at a particularly difficult moment for Venezuela, which has spent years grappling with economic instability, political turmoil, infrastructure challenges, and a prolonged humanitarian crisis. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that weakened institutions and deteriorating public services have left the country vulnerable to major emergencies.
Experts fear that damaged roads, disrupted communications, and shortages of medical supplies could slow rescue and recovery operations. Hospitals in some affected areas have reportedly exceeded capacity, while emergency shelters are struggling to accommodate displaced residents.
The country’s main airport was temporarily closed, and portions of public transportation systems were suspended as engineers assessed structural damage. Schools and many government offices also remained closed Thursday.
Search for Survivors Continues
As darkness fell across Venezuela on Thursday, rescue crews continued searching through collapsed buildings, listening for signs of life beneath concrete and twisted steel.
Emergency officials warned that the coming days would be critical. Every hour could mean the difference between life and death for those still trapped.
For thousands of families across Venezuela, the immediate focus remains the same: finding loved ones, securing shelter, and surviving the aftermath of a catastrophe that has transformed entire neighborhoods into disaster zones.
With aftershocks continuing and casualty figures rising, authorities fear the final human toll may not be known for weeks.
