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At least 235 people have died and around 4,300 have been injured after twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela in the past week. The latest official toll marks a sharp rise from an earlier estimate of 164 deaths and 971 injuries as rescue operations continue. The earthquakes caused widespread damage to homes, hospitals, transport infrastructure and public utilities, prompting a state of emergency, a USD 200 million reconstruction fund and an international humanitarian response.
Venezuela is confronting one of its worst natural disasters in more than a century after twin earthquakes measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck the country's northern region in the past week, causing widespread destruction across Caracas and neighbouring coastal states.
Immediately after the disaster, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said at least 164 people had been killed and 971 injured, while declaring a state of emergency and launching nationwide rescue operations. As search efforts progressed, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado announced that the confirmed death toll had increased to around 235, with approximately 4,300 people injured. Authorities cautioned that casualties could rise further as emergency teams continue searching collapsed buildings and remote communities.
According to the US Geological Survey, the two earthquakes struck less than a minute apart, with epicentres around 160 km west of Caracas. The seismic event ranks among the strongest recorded in Venezuela since 1900. Buildings collapsed across residential and commercial districts, while electricity, communications and transport services were severely disrupted in several regions.
La Guaira, the coastal state adjoining Caracas, emerged as one of the worst-affected areas. Government estimates indicate that around 70,000 families have been impacted, with apartment blocks, homes and public buildings suffering extensive structural damage. Caracas also reported damage to hospitals, schools, roads and transport facilities, including the temporary closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport due to structural concerns.
Rodríguez announced a USD 200 million reconstruction fund to support rebuilding and directed government agencies to coordinate with private contractors to deploy heavy machinery for rescue and debris clearance. Schools in affected areas were closed, with several converted into temporary shelters and relief centres. International assistance has begun arriving from multiple countries, while the United States eased certain sanctions to facilitate humanitarian aid.
Rescue operations have been hampered by damaged infrastructure, power outages and continuing aftershocks. In several locations, residents and volunteers began searching through debris before professional rescue teams arrived. Officials said hundreds of people were believed to remain trapped beneath collapsed structures, while thousands more have been displaced from their homes.
Authorities continue to assess damage to housing, transport networks, hospitals and public infrastructure as emergency operations remain focused on locating survivors and restoring essential services. The earthquakes have added to Venezuela's existing humanitarian and infrastructure challenges, with recovery expected to require extensive reconstruction efforts over the coming months.
Source: PTI
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