Watch: Moment earthquake hits Venezuela and leaves buildings collapsed
Two powerful earthquakes struck the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, seconds apart, resulting in at least 32 fatalities and approximately 700 injuries, according to the country's interim president.
The second earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.5, marking it as one of the strongest tremors to affect Venezuela in a century.
Buildings collapsed and residents evacuated to the streets for safety as the quakes occurred.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and announced the suspension of airport, rail, and transport services.
Rescue teams are actively searching for survivors who may be trapped beneath the rubble.
Where and when did the quakes hit?
Both earthquakes impacted Caracas around 18:04 local time (22:04 GMT).
The first quake, measuring magnitude 7.2, struck the state of Yaracuy, located west of Caracas, at a depth of 22 km, as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Thirty-nine seconds later, a stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred nearby at a depth of approximately 10 km.
Although the epicenters were outside the capital, the tremors were strongly felt throughout Caracas, causing buildings to shake and some to collapse.
The seismic activity was felt as far as Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, over 1,000 km (630 miles) away.
More than 20 aftershocks have been recorded across Venezuela, primarily affecting the northern coastline, including areas such as La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcón.
The earthquakes struck during a national holiday commemorating the 1821 Battle of Carabobo, a pivotal victory led by Venezuelan independence hero Simón Bolívar against Spanish colonial forces.
Powerful back-to-back earthquakes strike Venezuela, collapsing buildings in Caracas
What damage was caused?
Rescuers are searching for survivors amid the ruins of buildings in Caracas.
The full extent of the damage remains under assessment; however, images and videos depict debris scattered across streets and rescuers digging through collapsed structures to locate survivors.
In some footage, voices can be heard calling for assistance.
President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency to mobilize additional resources and personnel for recovery operations.
In a national address, she expressed her
"immediate condolences"to those who lost their lives, though she did not specify the death toll at that time.
Gustavo Duque Saez, mayor of Chacao municipality within the greater Caracas metropolitan area, reported that at least two buildings have completely collapsed.
He stated that 18 individuals had been rescued alive and that over 500 emergency workers were engaged in ongoing rescue efforts.
The interior ministry has urged residents to evacuate their homes due to concerns over structural stability and potential gas leaks.
Fuel supplies to the city have been interrupted, and internet outages have been reported.
Maiquetía International Airport, located on Caracas’s outskirts, has been closed due to earthquake damage.
Metro and train services nationwide have been suspended, as announced by Rodríguez during a televised address.
Additionally, classes will be suspended for the remainder of the week.
What is the earthquake death toll?
Rodríguez confirmed at least 32 fatalities and approximately 700 injuries, with expectations that these figures may rise as rescue operations continue.
US President Donald Trump referred to a
"devastating number of deaths"in a post on Truth Social.
Emergency personnel and officials remain engaged in efforts to rescue individuals trapped under debris.
The USGS highlighted the vulnerability of the affected area, noting that many buildings are constructed from reinforced brick masonry and adobe blocks, which are susceptible to severe damage from strong shaking.
The agency estimated a 36% probability that the death toll could reach up to 10,000 and a 40% chance it might escalate to as many as 100,000.
'I saw the windows moving' - Venezuelans describe panic as tremors hit
How have the US and other countries responded?
US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is
"ready, willing and able"to assist, having instructed government agencies to
"move quickly".
He added,
"We will be there for our new and great friends,"and noted that
"early reports are not good."
Several Latin American neighbors have also offered aid.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele announced that his country has prepared 50 tonnes of equipment and supplies, along with 300 rescuers ready to deploy to Caracas.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa Azin confirmed arrangements to send aid immediately to Venezuela.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated that Brazil would evaluate how best to assist its
"sister nation."
Are there tsunami warnings?
Initially, a tsunami threat advisory was issued for the Venezuelan coast and parts of the Caribbean, including the US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands.
These warnings have since been cancelled.
The US Tsunami Warning System confirmed that there is no longer a tsunami threat in the region resulting from the earthquakes.
