Twin 7.2 and 7.5 Magnitude Quakes Kill at Least 188 in Venezuela
A pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing at least 188 people and injuring around 1,500, with officials warning the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.
At least 188 people were confirmed dead and roughly 1,500 injured after two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela on Wednesday evening, the president of the National Assembly said on Thursday. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 for the quakes, which occurred less than a minute apart near the town of Montalbán.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez described the coastal state of La Guaira as a disaster zone, noting dozens of collapsed buildings and urging the population to remain calm and united. She declared a state of emergency, ordered the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport, and called on healthcare workers to assist the injured.
Rescue teams continue to search collapsed structures while aftershocks persist, prompting interior minister Diosdado Cabello to advise residents to stay outdoors until safety can be confirmed.
The United States announced the deployment of search and medical teams and humanitarian aid, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirming coordination with the interim Venezuelan government. Assistance offers also came from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, China, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama and Uruguay.
The earthquakes were felt as far as Brazil’s Amazon region, Colombia’s Caribbean coast and even triggered brief tsunami advisories in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, which were later cancelled.
Local witnesses described extensive damage, including a 22-story building that collapsed in Caracas’ Altamira neighborhood and widespread dust, power outages and loss of cellphone service across the capital.
