Venezuela Declares Emergency After Back-to-Back 7.2 and 7.5 Quakes

Venezuela was struck by 2 powerful earthquakes in quick succession on Wednesday evening, killing at least 32 people, injuring over 700, and collapsing dozens of buildings across Caracas and the surrounding region.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a national state of emergency and closed Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía indefinitely due to severe infrastructure damage.

"Dozens of buildings have collapsed and we are engaged in the arduous task of rescuing the lives that God allows us to save," Rodriguez said in a televised national address.

The US Geological Survey confirmed the sequence as a seismic doublet, two earthquakes of similar magnitude occurring close in time and proximity.

A magnitude 7.2 foreshock struck first near the municipality of San Felipe in Yaracuy state, followed just 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 mainshock southeast of Yumare.

The mainshock is the largest recorded earthquake to strike Venezuela and the strongest in over 125 years.

Both quakes struck at shallow depths of 10 to 13 kilometres, amplifying surface damage significantly.

"High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread," the USGS said, adding there was a 44% chance fatalities would exceed 10,000 based on the types of structures common in the affected areas.

Caracas in Ruins

The worst destruction was concentrated in and around Caracas.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed structural failures across the capital and described the situation in the upscale Altamira neighbourhood, home to many foreign embassies, as "extremely alarming," with multi-storey residential buildings suffering partial collapses and interior furniture visible from the street.

Thick columns of dust rose above the capital as structures cracked and shed concrete.

People were seen fleeing buildings with their belongings and pets.

At Maiquetía airport, passengers were filmed racing through corridors seeking cover from falling debris.

In Baruta, a southern Caracas suburb, civil defence workers used stretchers to carry victims from shattered buildings following a landslide triggered by the quakes.

In Chacao district, 4 buildings collapsed completely and 22 people were hospitalised.

Outside one collapsed six-floor building, residents joined rescue workers in searching the rubble.

La Guaira, a port city just north of Caracas on Venezuela's Caribbean coast and home to the main international airport, was described by Rodriguez as "a true tragedy" and declared a disaster zone.

One beachfront hotel there was nearly completely destroyed.

Venezuela's naval academy and several tall residential buildings in nearby Catia La Mar were also severely damaged.

Internet connectivity plunged across Venezuela in the hours following the quakes.

Regional Response

The US pledged immediate assistance, as President Trump said "The USA stands ready, willing, and able to help," on Truth Social, adding he had instructed all government agencies to prepare to move quickly.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Washington was mobilising, and US Under Secretary of State Jeremy Lewin confirmed a disaster assistance team had already been deployed, with search and rescue teams, medical supplies and humanitarian resources on the way.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele announced 300 rescuers and paramedics along with 50 tons of equipment, medicines and supplies were ready to depart for Caracas.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva instructed his Foreign Ministry to assess the situation and coordinate assistance.

The Dominican Republic said specialised military search and rescue teams would depart in the morning.

Rodriguez also thanked Colombia, Mexico, Türkiye, Jordan, Barbados, Curaçao and the United Kingdom for solidarity and offers of support.

A tsunami warning was briefly issued for Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands, with hazardous wave advisories also issued for Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire.

The warning was withdrawn approximately 1 hour later.

Venezuela's recorded history occurred in 1812, when an earthquake killed an estimated 30,000 people across Mérida and Caracas.

Venezuela sits at the convergence of the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plate, making it one of the most seismically active regions in South America.

Cabello urged residents to remain outdoors and stay away from damaged structures.

Gas supplies were ordered shut off as a precaution against explosions.

Schools were suspended and train services halted nationwide.