Venezuela declares state of emergency as twin quakes kill 32
Magnitude 7.5 and 7.2 earthquakes strike Yaracuy and Caracas, causing structural collapses and widespread infrastructure disruption.
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency following two powerful earthquakes that struck on Wednesday evening, killing at least 32 people and injuring approximately 700. The seismic events, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, caused significant structural damage, particularly in the capital, Caracas, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has ordered healthcare workers to report immediately to hospitals and clinics to manage the influx of injured patients.
The twin quakes originated in Yaracuy state, west of Caracas, with the initial 7.2 magnitude event striking at a depth of 22km, followed less than a minute later by the stronger 7.5 magnitude quake at about 10km depth. Although the epicentres were outside the capital, tremors were felt across central and western Venezuela, including the states of Carabobo, Miranda, La Guaira, and Trujillo. The shaking was also reported in neighbouring Colombia and as far away as Brazil’s Amazon region, more than 1,700km from Caracas.
Widespread damage was reported in Caracas, with the Altamira and El Paraiso neighbourhoods among the worst affected. Emergency crews rescued survivors from the rubble of a 22-storey building in Altamira, while authorities closed Simón Bolívar International Airport due to structural damage. Classes have been suspended, and residents have been urged to remain calm as infrastructure assessments continue. The earthquakes occurred while the country was marking a national holiday commemorating the 1821 Battle of Carabobo.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned that casualties could rise significantly due to the prevalence of unreinforced brick masonry and adobe buildings in the affected region. The USGS provided statistical estimates for emergency planning purposes, suggesting a 39 percent probability of 1,000 to 10,000 fatalities and a 37 percent probability of 10,000 to 100,000 deaths. These figures are not confirmed casualty counts but highlight the vulnerability of local building structures.
International aid offers have been received from several nations. US President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the United States stands ready to help and has instructed agencies to prepare for rapid deployment. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele announced the preparation of 300 paramedics and 50 tonnes of medical supplies. Ecuadoran President Daniel Noboa emphasised that humanitarian concerns should take precedence despite political differences, while Mexico and Brazil expressed solidarity and monitored the situation for any impact on their citizens.
