32 killed after powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela; toll expected to rise

At least 32 people have been killed and 700 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, causing buildings to collapse across several states and forcing the country to declare a state of emergency. The figures are the first official assessment and are expected to rise as rescue crews search through collapsed buildings.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced the initial death toll in an address to the nation on Wednesday night, saying La Guaira state, north of Caracas, appeared to be the hardest-hit area. She said dozens of buildings had collapsed there and described the state as a disaster zone.

Rodríguez initially said 32 deaths have been confirmed, but said the figure does not yet include La Guaira state.

“This is a real tragedy,” Rodríguez said. “From here, our message of solidarity to those families who have lost loved ones, and we reaffirm our condolences and support in these difficult hours.”

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the event was a doublet, with a magnitude 7.2 earthquake followed 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake.

The earthquakes struck west of Caracas, near Montalbán, and were felt strongly in the capital. The USGS placed the epicenter of the strongest earthquake 28 kilometers (17 miles) northwest of Yumare and at a shallow depth of 10 km (7 miles).

Footage shared on social media showed rescue efforts at several collapsed multi-story buildings, as well as blocks where destruction appeared widespread and few structures were left standing.

The USGS estimated a high likelihood of 10,000 to 100,000 deaths and economic losses between $10 billion and $100 billion for each earthquake, placing both events in its highest alert category for expected human and economic impact.

The agency estimated that nearly 40,000 people may have experienced violent shaking, while more than 10 million may have experienced strong to severe shaking, including in Caracas.

Rodríguez said the international airport in Maiquetía, the main airport serving Caracas, was closed because of serious damage to its infrastructure. She also called on doctors, nurses and other health workers to report to hospitals and private health centers.

Several countries and international organizations have offered support, including the United States, Panama, Qatar, Cuba, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico and the United Nations. She said Venezuela expected to receive rescuers from the United States, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico and Qatar in the coming hours.

“I want to thank President Donald Trump and his government, which has been in permanent contact with the Venezuelan government and all our authorities, offering support and solidarity,” Rodríguez said.