Rescue teams are racing against time in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck near the capital, killing at least 235 people and injuring more than 4,300, in one of the country’s most devastating natural disasters in recent history.
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit on Wednesday evening at 18:04 local time, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Both quakes occurred at shallow depths, intensifying the shaking and causing widespread destruction across Caracas and surrounding regions.
Emergency crews continued to search through collapsed buildings in Caracas and the coastal city of La Guaira on Thursday, where survivors were reportedly heard calling for help beneath the rubble. Authorities warned that the death toll is likely to rise as rescue operations continue.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, serving in an interim capacity, declared a national state of emergency as the government mobilised resources for large-scale rescue and relief efforts.
Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly, said at least 250 buildings had been destroyed or severely damaged, with La Guaira among the worst affected areas.
A 10-storey hotel in the coastal city was completely reduced to rubble, becoming one of the most critical search sites.
Residents have been left devastated, with many still searching for missing relatives.
Medical student Juan Ortiz said he was struggling to come to terms with the scale of loss.
“One of my close friends has been confirmed dead, another is believed to be trapped, and around 20 people I know are still missing,” he said. “It is painful and confusing because I cannot help as much as I want.”
In Caracas, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed that several buildings collapsed in the capital, while other affected regions include Trujillo, Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua and Miranda.
In the Chacao district, Mayor Gustavo Duque said 11 people had died in one collapsed building, while 23 others were rescued alive. Rescue teams are still clearing debris in search of possible survivors.
“We are working to rescue as many people alive as possible,” Duque said, adding that specialised teams were carefully removing rubble to reach those trapped.
Transport infrastructure has also been heavily impacted. The country’s main international airport at Maiquetía was closed after sustaining structural damage, with reports of ceiling collapses and debris inside the terminal.
Authorities also confirmed the collapse of a multi-storey building in the coastal town of Tucacas, about 250 kilometres northwest of Caracas.
Aftershocks have continued to shake the affected areas, with at least 30 recorded so far, further complicating rescue operations and raising fears of additional structural failures.
The USGS warned that the disaster could have a severe humanitarian impact, noting that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable.”
Preliminary estimates suggest a significant risk of rising fatalities as assessments continue.
Experts say Venezuela’s location along a tectonic plate boundary makes it highly vulnerable to seismic activity, with the sudden release of underground pressure responsible for the powerful tremors.
Communication blackouts and widespread power outages have made it difficult to assess the full extent of the damage.
Caracas-based journalist Luis Hernandez said the situation remains difficult to verify on the ground.
“The economic situation and infrastructure challenges make it very hard to fully assess what is happening across affected areas,” he said.
The Altamira and Los Palos Grandes neighbourhoods in Caracas were among the hardest hit, both of which suffered heavy damage in the historic 1967 earthquake that killed around 200 people.
The second quake is reported to be the strongest recorded in Venezuela since 1900, according to USGS data.
Journalist Nicole Kolster, who experienced the tremor in Caracas, described moments of fear and uncertainty.
“It was the strongest earthquake I have ever felt. I thought the building would collapse,” she said.
The tremors were also felt in neighbouring Colombia, including the capital Bogotá, hundreds of kilometres away.
International assistance has begun to arrive, with several countries pledging support for rescue and relief efforts.
The United States announced $150 million in emergency aid and deployed military aircraft and rescue teams to assist operations on the ground.
The Dominican Republic, Mexico, El Salvador and Qatar have also pledged humanitarian assistance.
US President Donald Trump said his administration was ready to respond quickly, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the immediate deployment of search-and-rescue teams and medical support.
As rescue operations continue, thousands of displaced residents are spending the night in open spaces, fearing further collapses as aftershocks continue to ripple through the region.
