On Wednesday evening, Venezuela was shaken by two strong earthquakes that led to building collapses, power outages, and panic among the population. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 32 people have died, around 700 have been injured, and the number of casualties may rise.
On Wednesday evening, Venezuela was shaken by two powerful earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, which caused widespread destruction and forced frightened residents to flee to the streets.
In a brief address to the nation late Wednesday, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez stated that the earthquakes caused damage in several states but did not provide figures on the number of damaged homes and buildings, nor on the injured and deceased.
By nightfall, Rodriguez reported that at least 32 people had died, and around 700 were injured. This is the first estimate of the number of casualties from the natural disaster; however, the final toll of both fatalities and injuries may ultimately be much higher.
According to her, the tremors severely damaged the country’s main airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport, which had to be closed. She added that classes in schools would be canceled for several days to focus on addressing the aftermath of the crisis.
"We urge our population to remain calm," Rodriguez said. "We call for unity."
Rodriguez also appealed to all medical personnel in the country to report to hospitals to assist the injured. The Ministry of Education reported that in the most affected regions, several schools would be used as temporary shelter points and aid collection centers.
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social that the U.S. "is ready, willing, and able to help," adding that he "ordered all government agencies to prepare for rapid response."
In the coastal state of Falcón, Governor Víctor Clark reported that 32 people had been hospitalized, and more than four hours after the earthquake, 15 people were still trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings.
The U.S. Geological Survey initially estimated the magnitude of the first earthquake at 7.1, later raising it to 7.2.
Its epicenter was located west of the town of Morón on the Caribbean coast of the country, approximately 168 kilometers west of Caracas. The earthquake's focus was at a depth of 22 kilometers.
Shortly after, the agency reported an even stronger tremor with a magnitude of 7.5, occurring just one minute after the first. The focus of the second earthquake was at a depth of 10 kilometers, and its epicenter was located 16 kilometers southwest of Morón.
These earthquakes were among the most powerful recorded in this South American country in over a century, occurring shortly after 6:00 PM local time. In the capital Caracas, people were fleeing swaying buildings; many were in shock, seeing entire walls and apartments collapse, with furniture visible from the street.
In two districts of the capital, usually bustling with restaurants and other establishments, clouds of dust were rising.
People remained in the streets for several hours, even after sunset. Some sat on the ground, holding their pets close. Collapsed buildings, downed power lines, and debris blocked the streets. In some areas of the capital, electricity and mobile service were disrupted.
