Two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings and homes across the region. The first quake, magnitude 7.2, was followed minutes later by a 7.5 tremor. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed 164 deaths and 971 injuries early Thursday. The U.S. Geological Survey estimated the death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000.
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
Rescue teams and residents are digging through rubble in cities including La Guaira, Maiquetia, Catia La Mar, and Caracas. Photos show people searching for survivors amid collapsed apartment buildings and debris. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the deployment of U.S. search and rescue teams, stating that long-term aid to Venezuela will be “big, it’ll be fast, and it’ll be effective.”
Scenes of Devastation
Images from the aftermath show a man walking among rubble in La Guaira, a resident examining a damaged building in Maiquetia, and a heavily damaged apartment building in Catia La Mar. Patients were evacuated from a damaged hospital in Catia La Mar and treated outdoors. In Caracas, a firefighter rescued a dog from a collapsed building, and emergency personnel transported an elderly survivor on a stretcher. A pickup truck was seen stuck in a large crack in the road.
Official Response and International Aid
Acting President Rodriguez confirmed the death toll and injuries early Thursday. The U.S. Geological Survey’s higher estimate underscores the potential scale of the disaster. Rubio’s commitment to aid signals significant international support. Rescue operations continue as the region grapples with the aftermath of the twin quakes.
