By Ghazali Ibrahim
At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and triggering a state of emergency across parts of the South American nation.
The twin quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Wednesday evening near Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, about 160 kilometres west of the capital, Caracas, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremors were among the strongest recorded in the country in more than a century.
Authorities said dozens of buildings collapsed in Caracas and nearby La Guaira State, trapping residents beneath rubble and prompting a massive search-and-rescue operation. Emergency workers continued digging through debris overnight in the hope of finding survivors.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, saying the official death toll was likely to rise as rescue teams gained access to affected areas. More than 6,000 people were initially reported missing, while hospitals in the capital struggled to cope with the influx of injured victims.
The earthquakes caused damage to important infrastructure in the country. Caracas’ metro and rail services were suspended, schools were closed, and operations at the country’s main international airport were disrupted following reports of structural damage.
Scenes of panic unfolded across Caracas as residents rushed into the streets when buildings began shaking. Many spent the night outdoors or in their vehicles, fearing powerful aftershocks. Emergency officials warned residents to avoid damaged structures as rescue efforts continued.
The USGS issued its highest-level alert for potential casualties and economic losses, warning that the eventual death toll could rise significantly given the scale of the destruction. Rescue teams and aid agencies from several countries have already offered assistance to the Venezuelan government.
Venezuela has experienced several devastating earthquakes throughout its history.
However, experts say the latest disaster ranks among the most powerful seismic events to hit the country in modern times.
Rescue operations were still underway on Thursday, with authorities warning that casualty figures could increase as crews continue searching damaged buildings and remote communities affected by the disaster.
