Two intense earthquakes struck the Venezuelan coastline on Wednesday evening, with a 7.2 magnitude tremor followed just seconds later by a 7.5 magnitude event. The seismic activity caused dozens of fatalities, triggered the collapse of buildings in the capital city of Caracas, and forced residents to flee into the streets for safety.
In a national address delivered on Wednesday night, acting President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed that her administration had received reports of at least 32 deaths and more than 700 injuries. Declaring a nationwide state of emergency, Rodriguez noted that severe destruction had occurred throughout Caracas and other impacted regions. She also announced that local metro and rail services were suspended, and the Maiquetía International Airport had been closed due to sustained damage.
Rodriguez reported that at least 20 aftershocks had followed the initial seismic events. While she provided the casualty figures, she did not share a further update on the status of those injured during her address. Images and video footage emerging from Caracas depicted crumbled infrastructure, with rescue teams digging through debris and individuals receiving medical attention on public roadways.
Authorities confirmed that emergency crews were dispatched to manage collapsed structures in the Alta Mira and Palos Grandes sectors. In response to the crisis, the United States government began organizing search-and-rescue efforts. Deputy Secretary of State Chris Landau stated on social media that the U.S. was mobilizing assistance and standing with the Venezuelan people during the aftermath of the disaster. Jeremy Lewin, the State Department’s under secretary for foreign assistance, added that a dedicated disaster assistance team and task force were being sent to coordinate the delivery of medical supplies and humanitarian resources in these critical initial days.
A separate State Department official noted that all personnel at the U.S. embassy in Caracas are safe and accounted for. The U.S. Geological Survey identified the initial 7.2 tremor near San Felipe as a foreshock, while the 7.5 mainshock occurred 39 seconds later in Yumare. The USGS issued a red alert regarding the potential for widespread fatalities and significant damage, noting that such alerts often necessitate national or international intervention. Although a tsunami advisory was initially issued for coastal areas within a 300-kilometer radius of the epicenter, the warning has since expired.
