Venezuela has been struck by a pair of powerful earthquakes that have devastated parts of the nation, leading to a state of emergency and numerous building collapses. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez reported that the back-to-back seismic events, which occurred on Wednesday, resulted in at least 32 confirmed deaths and over 700 injuries. Rodriguez emphasized that the government is fully engaged in the difficult task of search and rescue operations, particularly noting that the state of La Guaira near the capital has become a significant disaster zone.
The seismic activity consisted of a magnitude 7.2 earthquake followed just 39 seconds later by a more intense magnitude 7.5 quake, which the United States Geological Survey (USGS) classified as the mainshock of a seismic doublet. These tremors rank among the most powerful to impact the country in over a century. The first quake originated approximately 28 kilometers west of Moron at a depth of 13 kilometers, while the second event occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers. Experts noted that while the initial event was technically a foreshock, the rarity of a seismic doublet caused extensive structural failures in Caracas.
In response to the tragedy, acting President Rodriguez has suspended school classes and halted train services to prioritize rescue efforts. Additionally, the Simon Bolivar Airport in Maiquetia has been shut down due to structural damage sustained during the shaking. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello warned residents to remain outside due to the high risk of aftershocks that could compromise weakened buildings and instructed the public to shut off gas supplies to prevent potential explosions.
The international community has moved quickly to offer support. US President Donald Trump stated that the United States stands ready to assist, with officials confirming that disaster assistance teams, medical supplies, and search and rescue personnel are being mobilized. Other nations, including El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil, have also pledged specialized teams and humanitarian aid to help the Venezuelan people navigate the aftermath of the disaster.
The US Tsunami Warning System briefly issued a warning for parts of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, though the alert was withdrawn within an hour. While the USGS has provided projections regarding the potential for high casualties based on structural data in the region, Venezuelan authorities are continuing to assess the full extent of the damage. For many locals, the event brought back difficult memories of historical disasters, with residents comparing the intensity of this event to the devastating earthquake that struck Caracas in 1967.
