At least 164 people killed in Venezuela earthquake, more than 12,000 missing

At least 164 people were killed and nearly 1,000 others were injured when two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, causing buildings to collapse and forcing the country to declare a state of emergency, officials said. The figures are expected to rise as thousands of people are still missing.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, in an address to the nation on Wednesday night, said 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 said 164 people were confirmed dead by early Thursday morning and at least 971 others had been treated for injuries in connection with the earthquake, though the real numbers are expected to be much higher, with more than 12,000 people reported missing in an early count.

“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.