Two powerful earthquakes—measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale—struck Venezuela on Wednesday, triggering widespread devastation. Buildings have collapsed in Caracas and surrounding areas, with multiple reports of people trapped under rubble. As of now, no official death toll or injury count has been released.
Emergency Declared, Airport Shut Down
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national state of emergency. She confirmed that Simón Bolívar International Airport—the main gateway serving Caracas—suffered severe damage and its operations have been suspended indefinitely. Rodríguez extended condolences to families who lost loved ones but refrained from citing any specific numbers of fatalities or injuries.
USGS Warns of Catastrophic Toll
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimated that the 7.5-magnitude quake alone could result in up to 10,000 deaths—and some projections suggest the figure could reach as high as 100,000. Authorities have suspended school classes and rail services across the country, according to Rodríguez.
Seismic Timeline and Aftershocks
According to USGS data, the first tremor—a 7.2-magnitude ‘foreshock’—occurred at 6:04 p.m. local time (1:04 a.m. Greek time) at a depth of 21.9 kilometers, roughly 200 kilometers west of Caracas. Just 39 seconds later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake struck at a shallower depth of 10 kilometers, about 45 kilometers from the first epicenter. Around 20 strong aftershocks followed.
Rescue Efforts Underway Amid Chaos
AFP journalists in Caracas witnessed rescue teams mobilizing around collapsed buildings. Survivors were carried out on stretchers and rushed to ambulances. In the Altamira neighborhood, a 22-story residential building was completely destroyed. Witnesses described people shouting names into the rubble as volunteers scrambled over debris. “We need flashlights!” one shouted as darkness fell.
Gas Supply Cut Off
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed structural damage in the capital and ordered an immediate halt to natural gas supply to prevent secondary disasters.
Images circulating online show extensive damage at Maiquetía Airport and other critical infrastructure, with social media users comparing the scene to a war zone. The USGS warned the twin quakes pose a high risk of “widespread destruction” and “thousands of fatalities.”