Powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, and sending panicked residents into the streets. The twin tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, are among the strongest to hit the country in over a century, leaving a trail of devastation, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira and the capital, Caracas.
According to official reports, the death toll has climbed to at least 235, with nearly 4,300 people injured. Thousands more remain unaccounted for or missing, fueling desperate search and rescue efforts that continued into Thursday. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the death toll could potentially range from thousands to tens of thousands, given the magnitude of the quakes and the vulnerability of many structures.
The initial 7.2 magnitude quake struck just before 6:05 p.m. local time, followed less than a minute later by a more powerful 7.5 magnitude tremor. This phenomenon, known as a “doublet,” occurs when two similar-sized quakes hit in close succession and location. Scientists noted that the shallow depth of the quakes, approximately 10 kilometers, contributed to the intense shaking experienced across the affected regions.
La Guaira, a small coastal state north of Caracas, bore the brunt of the destruction. More than 100 buildings collapsed in the area, according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The region’s vital infrastructure, including Simón Bolívar International Airport, sustained severe damage, leading to its closure and complicating aid efforts. Essential transit lines connecting the coast to the capital were also severed. In Caracas, buildings were evacuated, with many residents spending the night in public squares and open spaces due to structural damage or fear of aftershocks.
In response to the catastrophe, Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency. The government announced the creation of a $200 million reconstruction fund for damaged hospitals and homes. International aid has begun to flow into the country, with several nations, including Mexico, Qatar, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, and Canada, offering condolences and pledging assistance. The United States is reportedly deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian aid, with the U.S. Treasury moving to waive some sanctions to facilitate earthquake relief efforts.
The humanitarian situation in Venezuela was already dire before the earthquakes, with an estimated 7.9 million people in need of assistance. Organizations like Oxfam have warned that the destruction will likely worsen these pre-existing conditions, compounding an already severe humanitarian crisis. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) office building in Caracas sustained damage, but all staff were reported safe. The NRC, which has been working in Venezuela for over two decades, is assessing needs and preparing to provide emergency relief.
Scientists are studying the complex tectonic setting of the region, which involves the interaction of the Caribbean and South American plates along the Bocono fault system. This geological complexity is believed to be a significant factor in the occurrence of such powerful and rapid back-to-back seismic events. While earthquakes are not uncommon in Venezuela, the magnitude and intensity of this doublet are historically significant, with the 7.5 magnitude quake being the strongest to hit the country since 1900.
Rescue teams continue to work through the rubble, searching for survivors amidst scenes of devastation. Residents have described the experience as “truly terrifying” and “like a horror movie,” recounting moments of intense shaking, collapsing buildings, and the struggle to find missing loved ones. The country faces a long and arduous recovery process, with the immediate focus on search and rescue, followed by the immense challenge of rebuilding damaged infrastructure and providing long-term support to the affected population.
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