Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction in and around the capital, Caracas, with hundreds confirmed dead and thousands feared trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck approximately 160 kilometres west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor—the country’s strongest earthquake in more than a century.
The twin earthquakes hit a nation already struggling with years of economic hardship, leaving vulnerable infrastructure and complicating rescue and recovery operations.
Emergency crews worked through the night searching for survivors beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings, while residents in some areas complained of delays in receiving assistance.
Jorge Rodriguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly and brother of interim President Delcy Rodriguez, said at least 188 people have been confirmed dead, while around 200 people remain trapped.
He added that 1,520 people were injured and more than 250 buildings were damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
The worst-hit area was La Guaira state, near Caracas, which President Delcy Rodriguez described as “a disaster zone.”
She said the government is working with private companies to deploy heavy machinery and accelerate search-and-rescue operations as authorities race to locate survivors.
Rescue efforts are continuing amid concerns that the death toll could rise significantly as teams gain access to heavily damaged areas.