Caracas, June 25: At least 164 people have been killed and 971 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said, as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century. The tremors were felt across the region, including parts of Brazil and Colombia, triggering widespread panic and causing extensive damage to infrastructure.
La Guaira state, located north of Caracas, was among the worst-affected areas. Rodriguez described it as a “disaster zone,” with dozens of buildings collapsing and rescue operations underway to locate survivors. State television showed emergency workers using heavy equipment to clear debris, while several people, including children, were rescued alive from the rubble.
In Caracas, residents rushed out of swaying buildings as walls collapsed and dust clouds filled the air. Many spent the night outdoors amid fears of aftershocks. Authorities suspended metro services, cut natural gas supplies and closed schools, some of which are being converted into temporary shelters and aid centres.
The earthquakes also caused power outages and disrupted mobile phone networks in several areas. Simon Bolivar International Airport, Venezuela’s main airport, sustained damage and was temporarily closed.
The US Geological Survey said the first quake, measuring 7.2, struck near Moron on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast at a depth of 22 kilometres. A stronger 7.5-magnitude quake followed about a minute later at a depth of 10 kilometres.
Rodriguez declared a state of emergency and announced the creation of a USD 200 million reconstruction fund for damaged homes and public infrastructure. She also appealed for heavy construction equipment to support rescue efforts.
International assistance has begun arriving, with countries including the United States, Ecuador, Qatar, Mexico and El Salvador offering humanitarian aid, rescue teams and medical support.
Authorities warned residents to remain alert as aftershocks continue and rescue operations remain focused on locating those still missing beneath the debris.
