32 killed, over 700 injured in strongest earthquakes ever recorded in Venezuela
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The two devastating and highly powerful earthquakes occurred in quick succession, collapsing at least two dozen buildings, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 700 others, while reports suggest that the death toll and the number of injured could rise, prompting Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, to declare a nationwide state of emergency.
The powerful tremors, among the strongest ever recorded in Venezuela, struck on Wednesday evening and unleashed scenes of chaos and destruction across large parts of the country. The worst damage appeared to be concentrated in and around the capital, Caracas, where buildings crumbled, transport networks were paralysed, and rescue teams raced against time to search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
Addressing the nation in a televised broadcast, Rodríguez confirmed that hundreds of people had been injured and warned that casualty figures were expected to increase as emergency crews reached devastated areas. She urged residents to evacuate damaged structures and remain vigilant amid fears of further aftershocks.
“We ask the population to remain calm and united,” Rodríguez said, while extending condolences to families who had lost loved ones in the disaster.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), Venezuela was struck by a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed just 39 seconds later by a more powerful magnitude 7.5 mainshock. The epicentre was located near the coastal community of Morón, approximately 168 kilometres west of Caracas, at a depth of 13 kilometres.
The USGS warned that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable” and that the disaster was likely to be widespread.
Videos shared on social media showed frightened passengers fleeing through the corridors of Maiquetía International Airport as debris fell from damaged structures. Rodríguez later announced the closure of the airport after it sustained severe damage, while metro and rail services across affected regions were suspended.