Powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, triggering widespread structural damage, collapsing buildings, and driving panicked residents into the streets. The region was rocked by seismic events of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, which were powerful enough to force building evacuations in cities as far as the Brazilian Amazon, located approximately 1,700 kilometers (1,050 miles) from Caracas.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez addressed the nation late Wednesday, confirming that the earthquakes caused significant damage across several states. While she did not provide specific figures regarding casualties or the total number of affected buildings, she noted that the Simón Bolívar International Airport suffered sufficient damage to warrant its closure. Furthermore, classes have been suspended for several days, and all health care professionals were instructed to report to hospitals to assist the injured. The Ministry of Education has designated certain schools to serve as shelters and donation centers.
In the coastal state of Falcon, Governor Víctor Clark reported that 32 people were hospitalized following the quakes, and search efforts remained underway for 15 individuals trapped in debris hours after the initial tremors. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) revised its initial measurement of the first earthquake from 7.1 to 7.2 magnitude, with an epicenter located 168 kilometers (104 miles) west of Caracas near the community of Morón at a depth of 22 kilometers. A second, stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake occurred just one minute later, centered 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Morón at a depth of 10 kilometers.
These quakes, ranking among the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century, began shortly after 6 p.m. In the capital, residents witnessed entire walls crumbling and furniture spilling into streets from damaged structures. Dust clouds hung over busy business districts, and power outages accompanied the loss of cellular service, complicating communication for many. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported alarming damage in the Altamira neighborhood and urged motorists to yield to emergency vehicles as officials followed protocols to coordinate rescue operations.
Acting President Rodríguez has declared a state of emergency and suspended subway and natural gas services in Caracas. International reaction was immediate, with governments including the United States, El Salvador, and Ecuador offering humanitarian aid and expressing solidarity. While earthquakes occur near Venezuela’s fault lines, they are notably less frequent than in the highly active Ring of Fire regions. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts following the events, but these were subsequently lifted.
