The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that high casualties and extensive damage are expected across Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that struck the capital and surrounding regions. The first earthquake, a magnitude 7.2 tremor, hit central Venezuela on Wednesday, followed just 39 seconds later by a more intense 7.5 magnitude quake. According to the USGS, the initial event was a foreshock to the second, which acted as the mainshock in a rare seismic doublet—a sequence of two similar-magnitude quakes occurring in close proximity and time.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has declared a state of emergency in response to the destruction in Caracas. While acknowledging the loss of life among families, she did not immediately provide specific death or injury tolls. Rescue operations are currently the government’s primary focus. In light of the catastrophe, officials have suspended school classes, halted train services, and closed the Simon Bolivar Airport in Maiquetia due to structural damage. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged citizens to remain outdoors to avoid the risk of building collapses from aftershocks, and advised that gas supplies be shut off as a precaution against fires.
The international community has begun mobilizing support. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed that the US is coordinating with Venezuelan authorities and preparing to assist. Under Secretary of State Jeremy Lewin announced that a disaster assistance team has been deployed to provide search and rescue personnel, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Caracas has advised American citizens to avoid damaged structures and follow local official guidance.
The seismic activity was severe enough to briefly trigger tsunami warnings for Puerto Rico, the US and British Virgin Islands, and parts of the Caribbean, though these were lifted shortly after. Local residents described the scene as horrifying, with some survivors comparing the devastation to the historic 1967 earthquake that killed hundreds in the capital. The USGS noted that given the nature of local construction, there is a 44% probability that fatalities could exceed 10,000.
The epicenters were recorded near the community of Moron along the Caribbean coast. With Venezuela situated at the intersection of the Caribbean and South American plates, the region has a history of major seismic events, including a catastrophic earthquake in 1812 that killed an estimated 30,000 people. Officials remain on high alert as they continue to evaluate the full scale of the disaster, with Interior Minister Cabello emphasizing that the situation remains extremely alarming as search efforts continue.
