Caracas, June 25: Venezuela is facing one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history after two powerful earthquakes struck the country within a minute of each other, leaving at least 164 people dead and 971 injured, according to the latest official figures released by Acting President Delcy Rodriguez. Authorities have warned that the casualty count could rise significantly as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.
The first earthquake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale, struck west of Morón, approximately 168 kilometres from Caracas, at a depth of 22 kilometres. Just one minute later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake hit the same region at a depth of 10 kilometres, intensifying the destruction across northern and central Venezuela. The twin tremors are among the strongest earthquakes to hit the South American nation in more than a century.
The worst devastation has been reported from La Guaira state, which authorities have declared a disaster zone after widespread building collapses, damaged infrastructure, and severe disruptions to essential services. Rescue workers, supported by emergency response teams from several countries, are conducting round-the-clock operations to locate survivors.
Acting President Rodriguez has declared a nationwide state of emergency and announced emergency funding for reconstruction efforts. Schools have been closed, gas supplies suspended in affected areas, and temporary shelters established for thousands displaced by the disaster. Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas remains closed after suffering significant structural damage.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued a red alert following the earthquakes, warning that extensive damage and high casualties were likely. Preliminary USGS assessments suggested the final death toll could potentially reach into the thousands due to the scale of destruction and the large population living in the affected region.
More than 20 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial quakes, keeping residents on edge and complicating rescue efforts. Large sections of Caracas and surrounding areas experienced power outages, communication disruptions, and transportation shutdowns. Authorities have urged citizens to remain alert as the risk of further aftershocks continues.
International aid has begun arriving from several countries, including the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and Qatar, while the United Nations has called for coordinated humanitarian assistance to support rescue and recovery operations.
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