Rescue crews raced through collapsed buildings and debris-strewn streets Thursday as Venezuela grappled with the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes that killed at least 188 people and injured more than 1,500, with officials warning the death toll is expected to climb significantly as searches continue for survivors. Authorities said at least 157 people remain missing and hundreds more may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
As families continued searching for loved ones and emergency crews combed through collapsed structures, officials warned that the full extent of the disaster may not be known for days. The twin earthquakes, felt across parts of neighboring countries including Colombia and Brazil, have left Venezuela confronting one of the deadliest natural disasters in its modern history.
The earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck less than a minute apart Wednesday evening and rank among the strongest seismic events to hit Venezuela in more than a century. The hardest-hit areas included Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira, where apartment buildings, homes and public infrastructure suffered extensive damage. More than 250 structures were reported damaged or destroyed, while transportation systems, utilities and communications networks were disrupted across parts of the country.
The U.S. Geological Survey said predictive models suggest casualties could ultimately rise far beyond current figures, reflecting the scale of destruction and the number of people believed to be in affected areas when the quakes struck. Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency and mobilized hospitals, emergency personnel and military resources as rescue teams worked through continuing aftershocks. Simón Bolívar International Airport sustained damage, schools were converted into shelters and aid centers, and authorities urged healthcare workers to report for duty as thousands of displaced residents sought assistance.
International assistance began arriving Thursday, with the United States, United Nations and several foreign governments offering search-and-rescue teams, medical support and humanitarian aid. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X that “The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes. Our hearts are with all those who have lost loved ones, those injured, and the courageous rescue workers working tirelessly in the aftermath. America stands with the Venezuelan people during this difficult time and at the direction of President Trump, the State Department is immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela.”
President Trump also wrote on Truth Social: “The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths. The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!!”
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