Venezuela Twin Quakes: 32 Dead, Over 700 Injured in Widespread Devastation

Photo via Le Monde

Venezuela is reeling after two powerful earthquakes struck the country late Wednesday, killing at least 32 people, injuring more than 700 others, and causing widespread destruction across several regions. Rescue operations continued through Thursday as authorities searched for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings and assessed the extent of the damage.

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck less than a minute apart near the coastal town of Moron, according to the United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.). The powerful tremors sent shockwaves throughout the country, causing panic among residents, damaging buildings, and forcing people to evacuate as aftershocks rattled the region.

In response to the disaster, Interim President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency and mobilized emergency services to assist affected communities.

Addressing the nation early Thursday morning, Pres. Rodriguez confirmed that at least 32 people had lost their lives while more than 700 had been injured. 

She warned that the figures could rise as rescue workers continued to reach severely affected areas, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira.

“At this time, we have received reports of 32 deaths and more than 700 injured,” Pres. Rodriguez said.

The earthquakes struck at approximately 10:04 p.m. GMT, with the first tremor centered about 21 kilometers west of Moron. Just 39 seconds later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake hit approximately 45 kilometers (k.m.) away. 

The shallow depths of the earthquakes, 22 k.m. and 10 k.m., respectively, intensified the shaking felt on the surface.

Authorities reported at least 20 aftershocks following the initial earthquakes, prompting warnings for residents to avoid weakened buildings and remain alert for further seismic activity.

Witnesses Recall Moments of Terror

Across the capital city of Caracas, terrified residents rushed from homes, offices, and shopping centers as buildings swayed violently. Witnesses described scenes of confusion and panic as people scrambled to safety.

One of the most devastating incidents occurred in the Altamira district of Caracas, where a 22-story building collapsed completely. Rescue workers, volunteers, and family members gathered at the site throughout the night, searching through the rubble for survivors.

An AFP journalist at the scene reported hearing people calling out the names of missing relatives while rescue teams carefully navigated unstable debris.

“We need flashlights,” one volunteer shouted as crews worked in darkness to locate trapped victims.

Authorities have not yet released an official estimate of the number of people who may still be missing.

Residents across the country shared stories of fear and survival as the earthquakes struck without warning.

Odalis Escalona, a 54-year-old bank employee in Caracas, described the frightening moments during the quake.

“The stairs came away, the whole wall cracked. Things fell from the ceiling. It was horrible,” Ms. Escalona recalled.

At a shopping center in the capital, customers and workers were forced to evacuate through emergency exits as alarms sounded.

“It was unbelievable. I don’t even know how long it lasted,” said 42-year-old shopkeeper Heidi Romero. “We went out through the emergency stairs; that’s how they got us out.”

For many residents, the disaster was especially frightening because of the continuing aftershocks. Carmen Guedez, a 69-year-old administrator, said she was caring for her bedridden sister when the shaking began.

“It kept getting stronger,” Ms. Guedez said. “I started to see the windows begin to move and then everything shook. We huddled together because we couldn’t get out. The neighbors are still outside on the street.”

Twinquakes Leaves Widespread Structural Damage

Government officials reported significant damage to public infrastructure, transportation facilities, and residential buildings. The country’s main international gateway, Maiquetia International Airport, was temporarily closed after sustaining severe structural damage.

Images shared on social media showed cracked walls, damaged ceilings, and debris scattered throughout sections of the airport. Authorities said engineers would conduct safety inspections before operations could resume.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced that gas supplies had been shut off in several neighborhoods as a safety precaution.

“We have some damaged structures and we don’t want any kind of accident involving gas to occur,” Ms. Cabello said.

Officials identified the states of La Guaira, Miranda, Carabobo, and Trujillo as among the hardest hit by the disaster.

Global Leaders Offer Support to Venezuela

As news of the disaster spread around the world, international leaders expressed condolences and offered assistance to Venezuela.

United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump stated that American agencies were prepared to support relief operations if requested.

“The U.S. stands ready, willing, and able to help,” Pres. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly.”

Twinquakes Shakes Neighboring Colombia

The impact of the earthquake extended beyond Venezuela’s borders. Tremors were felt in neighboring Colombia, particularly in the capital city of Bogotá, where alarms sounded and some buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

Freddy Tovar, coordinator of Colombia’s National Seismological Network (C.N.S.N.), said authorities received more than 200 reports from residents who felt the shaking.

“The conditions of this seismic event mean that some aftershocks may occur, which could also be widely felt across Colombian territory,” Tovar explained.

Despite initial concerns, both Colombian disaster officials and the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center (N.T.W.C.) confirmed that there was no risk of a tsunami following the earthquakes.

Rare Seismic Event Strikes Venezuela After 29 years

The disaster is among the strongest seismic events to strike Venezuela in recent decades. The country’s deadliest recent earthquake occurred in Caracas in 1967, when 236 people lost their lives. Another major earthquake in northeastern Venezuela in 1997 claimed 73 lives.

Seismologists described Wednesday’s twin earthquakes as a rare seismic doublet, in which two major earthquakes occur within a very short period of time.

As rescue operations continue and damage assessments expand, authorities remain focused on locating survivors and providing assistance to communities affected by one of the most powerful earthquakes Venezuela has experienced in decades.