At Least 32 Dead, Hundreds Injured in Powerful Venezuela Earthquakes

BBC

Venezuela Earthquake.

At least 32 people have died and more than 700 others have been injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela late on Wednesday, according to the country's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez.

The quakes, measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 by the U.S. Geological Survey, rank among the strongest recorded worldwide this year.

The second and more powerful earthquake struck at a shallow depth of around 10 kilometres, heightening concerns over extensive damage and loss of life.

The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency. In a televised address, Rodríguez described the disaster as a serious incident with significant consequences.

Authorities have suspended classes, halted rail services, and closed Caracas International Airport after infrastructure sustained damage.

Footage from the capital showed several buildings collapsing, while emergency crews continued searching for people believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

Experts warned that aftershocks could be felt up to 100 kilometres from the epicentre. The United States, El Salvador, Brazil and several other countries have offered assistance.

The U.S. State Department announced the formation of a crisis management team and said it was coordinating with Venezuelan authorities to deploy search-and-rescue personnel, humanitarian support and medical aid.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the United States was “ready and willing” to assist Venezuela in the aftermath of the earthquakes.

Meanwhile, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said on X that 300 rescue and medical personnel, along with 50 tonnes of aid, were prepared to travel to Caracas. Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader also confirmed that military search-and-rescue teams would depart for Venezuela on Thursday morning.


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