Venezuela Earthquake: At least 164 killed, nearly 1000 injured as two back-to-back deadly quakes destroy buildings

Strong earthquakes struck west of Venezuela's capital Caracas on Wednesday afternoon, leading to building collapse and heavy damage to infrastructure. The tremors have prompted scientists to warn of potentially heavy casualties and widespread destruction across the South American country. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez declared that at least 164 people have lost their lives in the serious tremors while nearly 1000 others were injured.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 km (100 miles) west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by another tremor of magnitude 7.5. The earthquakes were followed by 20 aftershocks that further worsened the situation.

Also read: Venezuela declares state of emergency after powerful twin quakes


Rodriguez said that dozens of buildings collapsed in La Guaira as rescuers from other countries are set to arrive in Venezuela in the coming hours.

"High casualties and extensive damage are probable and ‌the disaster is likely widespread," ⁠the ⁠USGS said, initially estimating the death toll would most likely range from 10,000 to 100,000.

"We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security, civil assistance," Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state television as quoted by Reuters. "The fire department, police all have been activated."

Video footage showed emergency workers climbing through the ruins of a collapsed building in the capital.

President declares state of emergency

Leader Rodriguez declared a state of emergency on Wednesday after two massive earthquakes caused buildings in the capital to crumble.

In a televised address, Rodriguez confirmed that lives had been lost in the disaster, saying she extended her condolences to those who have "sadly suffered the loss of a family member." She did not specify the number of deaths.

Venezuelan Opposition Politician Edmundo Gonzalez said two consecutive earthquakes have caused significant damage in Venezuela.

"Two consecutive earthquakes have caused significant damage in Venezuela. Collapsed structures. Panic in the streets. Two hours later, we still don't know if there are victims or fatalities," he said in a post on X.

Main airport shut

Rodriguez announced that the massive earthquakes have led to the closure of the country's main airport.

The Maiquetia International Airport, located near Caracas, was closed due to "serious damage" to its infrastructure, Rodriguez said.

Citizens rush into the streets

Several Venezuelans were at their residence when the earthquakes struck during a public holiday marking an 1821 military victory that helped secure the country's independence from Spain.

"As soon as it started, we ⁠began hearing people ‌screaming," Astrid Ramirez, a 41-year-old publicist in western Caracas told Reuters. "Everyone was running down the stairs."

As buildings shook, residents across Caracas, which was also hit by a deadly magnitude 6.3 earthquake in 1967, rushed to evacuate.

"There was a very loud crash. Things fell ⁠in the house, jugs inside the refrigerator. I've never experienced anything like it," Coro Martinez, 56, who lives in eastern Caracas told the news agency.

Residents quoted by Reuters said that police helped them get out of their homes while one said that she received an earthquake alert on her phone just before the shaking intensified.

Tsunami alert withdrawn

The US Tsunami Warning System initially issued a tsunami threat for Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands after the earthquake, and said hazardous waves could also affect Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire.

The authority withdrew the warning an hour later.

The Colombian disaster management agency UNGRD also ruled out the possibility of a tsunami taking place in the aftermath.

"NO tsunami, NO danger from a recent earthquake," the US National Tsunami Warning Center said in an X post.

US mobilizing assistance for Venezuela after earthquakes

The United States said it was in touch with Venezuelan authorities following strong earthquakes and was mobilizing assistance for the South American nation.

"We're in touch with the authorities ‌and mobilizing assistance," ⁠Deputy ⁠Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on X, adding that the earthquakes were "devastating."

US State ⁠Department official ‌Jeremy Lewin said on X that the department had mobilized a disaster assistance team and ⁠task force to deliver and coordinate critical assistance to Venezuelans.

"Working with our partners in the interim Venezuelan government, the U.S. will be sending search and rescue teams, medical and humanitarian supplies and other resources in the crucial first days after this tragic natural disaster," he added.


US President Donald Trump said that the tremors have hit the 'great people' of the country and have a 'devastating number of deaths'. He added that Washington is willing to help its 'new and great friends' as early reports are not good.