164 Confirmed Dead as Two Major Earthquakes Devastate Venezuela

At least 164 people have been confirmed dead following two significant earthquakes that struck near Caracas, Venezuela, on Thursday. The magnitude 7.2 earthquake, which hit approximately 160 kilometers west of the capital, was followed by a magnitude 7.5 tremor less than a minute later. These seismic events have left extensive destruction, trapping individuals under collapsed structures and triggering powerful aftershocks.

Casualties and Damage Reports

Approximately 700 individuals have sustained injuries, and more than 10,000 people are currently unaccounted for, according to the US Geological Survey. The initial casualty figures do not include those from La Guaira state, which has been severely affected and is home to the capital’s airport, now closed due to the disaster.

The US Geological Survey has utilized predictive modeling to estimate that the death toll could potentially reach into the thousands, with a significant likelihood of exceeding 10,000 fatalities.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez stated on state television that “dozens of buildings have collapsed,” emphasizing the intense rescue efforts underway to save as many lives as possible. She described La Guaira state as a “true tragedy” and a disaster zone.

Rescue Operations Underway

As night fell, emergency workers were seen navigating through the rubble of collapsed buildings in Caracas. Families anxiously searched for loved ones believed to be trapped beneath the debris. Many Venezuelans were at home when the earthquakes struck during a public holiday, contributing to the high number of casualties.

Aftershocks continued to rattle the capital into the early hours of Thursday, complicating rescue efforts. Rodriguez noted that the country is focused on these operations, with rescue teams from other nations expected to arrive soon. She expressed gratitude to leaders, including US President Donald Trump, for their support.

Trump acknowledged the disaster on social media, stating that the US is “ready, willing, and able to help” Venezuela in the wake of the earthquakes. He remarked on the “devastating number of deaths” resulting from the quakes.

International Response and Warnings

The United Nations’ Venezuela human rights mission has urged the government to lift local restrictions on social media, citing it as a “matter of life and death.” Reports indicate that access to social media has begun to improve in some areas.

Wilmer Azuaje, a former Venezuelan lawmaker, documented the moment the earthquake struck Maiquetia Airport, capturing the chaos as debris fell. He described the situation as serious, highlighting the magnitude of the earthquake.

A tsunami warning was briefly issued but was quickly canceled after the immediate threat passed. Residents across Caracas, which previously experienced a devastating magnitude 6.3 earthquake in 1967, rushed to evacuate as buildings shook.

International leaders from countries such as El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and Spain have extended their condolences and offers of support. The US State Department has confirmed that it is in contact with Venezuelan authorities and is mobilizing assistance.

Venezuela is situated in a seismically active region where the Caribbean Plate meets the South American Plate. Historical records indicate that a powerful earthquake in 1812 resulted in an estimated 30,000 fatalities in the cities of Merida and Caracas.

Hospitals Prepare for Influx of Patients

At the Hospital de Clinicas in Caracas, staff have been instructed to double their night shifts to accommodate the influx of injured individuals. Classes have been canceled for the remainder of the week as authorities assess the extent of the damage.

The Venezuelan Red Cross reported that its headquarters suffered critical damage but has dispatched rescue teams to the most affected areas, cautioning about the risks posed by strong aftershocks. France’s embassy in Venezuela has also reported significant damage.

Initial assessments indicate that Venezuela’s oil infrastructure has not been severely impacted. Civil protection authorities in Maracaibo, close to the major oil hub of Lake Maracaibo, reported no injuries. A worker at the El Palito refinery, located near the earthquake’s epicenter, stated that there was no damage at the facility.

UK oil firm Shell, which is evaluating gas fields in Venezuela, confirmed that all its employees are accounted for and unharmed. However, concerns have been raised that prolonged power outages could affect crude oil production levels. Requests for comments from Venezuela’s oil ministry, state-run oil company PDVSA, and its primary foreign partner, Chevron, have gone unanswered.

As reported by www.arnnewscentre.ae.

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Published on 2026-06-25 06:57:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk