Venezuela’s earthquake death toll has risen to 164, with 971 people injured after two devastating earthquakes above magnitude 7 struck near Caracas. Rescue operations continue amid aftershocks, widespread destruction, airport closure, and a nationwide state of emergency declared by the government.
Venezuela is grappling with one of the deadliest natural disasters in its modern history after the death toll from two powerful earthquakes climbed to 164, while at least 971 people were reported injured. Rescue teams continued searching for survivors on Thursday as authorities warned that the casualty count could increase amid widespread devastation and persistent aftershocks.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed the updated figures, stating that nearly 30 aftershocks had followed the initial earthquakes, complicating ongoing rescue and recovery operations. She said the government had mobilised resources from across the country and was coordinating emergency response efforts in the worst-hit regions. Rodriguez also appealed to private companies to assist in procuring rescue equipment, heavy machinery, medical supplies, and other essential materials needed for relief operations.
Expressing hope that improved daylight conditions would accelerate rescue efforts, Rodriguez said emergency responders were working tirelessly to locate people trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Authorities remain concerned that additional survivors may still be buried under debris.
The Venezuelan government has declared a nationwide state of emergency following the disaster. Maiquetia International Airport, the country’s main gateway serving Caracas, has been temporarily closed as officials assess infrastructure damage and prioritise emergency operations.
In addition, schools and all nonessential public activities have been suspended for the remainder of the week. Medical professionals across Venezuela have been instructed to report for emergency duty to help treat the growing number of injured victims.
Interior, Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello said several cities suffered severe structural damage, with multiple buildings collapsing in eastern Caracas. Emergency crews continued clearing debris while engineers assessed the safety of roads, bridges, hospitals, and public facilities.
The twin earthquakes struck shortly after 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday. Within less than a minute, two powerful tremors measuring above magnitude 7 rocked the country, causing panic among residents. Many people fled homes, offices, and shopping centres as buildings shook violently. Temporary power outages and voltage fluctuations were reported in several residential areas, prompting thousands to gather in open spaces amid fears of stronger aftershocks.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake measured magnitude 7.1 near Montalvan at a depth of 10 kilometres before being revised to magnitude 7.2. Less than a minute later, a second and even stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck at the same depth.
The powerful tremors were felt across much of Venezuela and extended far beyond its borders. Buildings were evacuated in parts of Brazil, approximately 1,700 kilometres from Caracas, highlighting the exceptional strength of the seismic event.
The USGS issued a red alert following the disaster, warning that the earthquakes were likely to cause high casualties and extensive economic losses. Preliminary estimates suggested that financial damage could amount to between two and 20 per cent of Venezuela’s gross domestic product, making it one of the country’s most destructive earthquakes in more than a century.
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As rescue operations continue and aftershocks persist, authorities have urged residents to remain alert, avoid damaged buildings, and follow official safety advisories while emergency teams race against time to save lives.
