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Two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 in Venezuela kill at least 32, injure hundreds
In the successive earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 in Venezuela, at least 32 people died and approximately 700 were injured.
Venezuela was shaken by two powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 that occurred successively around 18:04 local time on Wednesday. The government announced that at least 32 people died and approximately 700 were injured, while a state of emergency was declared across the country.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned that 'high casualties and extensive damage are likely.' U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the earthquakes caused 'a devastating number of deaths.'
Heavy damage in capital Caracas
The greatest destruction was reported in the capital Caracas, particularly in the Altamira district. Emergency teams raced against time to rescue those trapped under the rubble of a 22-story building, while families searching for missing loved ones gathered in the area.
Al Jazeera correspondent Teresa Bo, reporting from neighboring Colombia's capital Bogota, said authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage. Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas was closed due to damage, education was suspended nationwide for several days, and health workers were called to duty.
Epicenter and magnitude of the earthquakes
According to the USGS, the epicenter of the twin earthquakes was in Yaracuy state, west of Caracas. The first earthquake, of magnitude 7.2, occurred at a depth of 22 kilometers; less than a minute later, a second, stronger earthquake of magnitude 7.5 was recorded at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers.
The tremors were also felt in the states of Carabobo, Miranda, La Guaira, and Trujillo, in addition to Caracas. The effects of the earthquake reached neighboring Colombia and as far as Brazil's Amazon region, more than 1,700 kilometers from Caracas.
Concern over casualties grows
Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez stated that approximately two dozen aftershocks occurred following the earthquakes. Authorities said the death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue.
The USGS's PAGER assessment estimates a 39% probability of casualties between 1,000 and 10,000, and a 37% probability between 10,000 and 100,000. It was emphasized that these statistical estimates are made to support emergency planning and are not confirmed loss figures.
International community mobilizes aid
Governments across the Americas issued messages of solidarity with Venezuela and launched humanitarian aid mobilization. U.S. President Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, stated that they are 'ready, willing, and able to help' and instructed all government agencies to act quickly.
El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele announced that they are preparing to send 300 rescue workers and medical personnel along with 50 tons of medical supplies and emergency equipment. Ecuador and Panama also announced they would send humanitarian aid, while Mexico and Brazil conveyed solidarity messages and said they are closely monitoring the situation.
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