At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela less than a minute apart on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction and the collapse of buildings in the capital, Caracas.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the first earthquake struck near the town of San Felipe, about 100 miles west of Caracas.
A second, stronger quake measuring 7.5 magnitude followed just 39 seconds later near the nearby town of Yumare.
The USGS warned of the scale of the disaster, saying, “High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread.”
The earthquakes, among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century, struck shortly after 6 p.m., triggering panic across several states and forcing residents to flee swaying buildings.
Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and announced that Caracas airport had been closed because of significant damage. She also expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and said at least 20 aftershocks had been recorded.
Rescue workers continued searching through collapsed buildings on Thursday as authorities warned the death toll could rise further.
In Caracas, residents described scenes of chaos as walls crumbled, streets filled with dust, and emergency crews rushed to affected areas.
“The scene was like a horror movie,” a woman in the city told Reuters after escaping from her damaged apartment building. “We had to climb over the rubble and everything.”
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the Altamira district of Caracas suffered severe damage, with several buildings and homes collapsing.
“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” Cabello said on state television. “Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed.”
Authorities urged residents to remain outdoors where possible as aftershocks continued to shake parts of the country.
“The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong,” Caracas resident Roberto Damas said. “We were walking and it was tossing us around. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out.”
U.S. President Donald Trump pledged support for Venezuela, saying, “The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help.”
“I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!!” Trump added.
The United States and several humanitarian organisations have indicated they are preparing emergency assistance, including search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
