235 Killed, 1,500 Injured in Devastating Venezuela Earthquakes
Two major earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday night, killing at least 235 people and injuring more than 1,500, according to Health Minister Carlos Alvarado. The United States Geological Survey recorded the quakes at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, occurring less than a minute apart.
Rescue efforts continued on Thursday as aftershocks rattled the region. Many buildings collapsed or were left dangerously tilted. In the worst-hit state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, residents and rescue workers struggled to reach those trapped under rubble, often lacking tools and equipment.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez visited La Guaira on Thursday after the area was declared a disaster zone. Local residents reported looting at a supermarket. The international airport in La Guaira, which suffered serious damage, remained closed, complicating relief operations.
Global rescue teams began arriving, with offers of support from Switzerland, Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, and other countries. The United States deployed two warships, transport planes, and helicopters, and mobilised $150 million in aid. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the response as “big, fast, and effective.” China, India, Brazil, and Iran also offered assistance. Pope Leo XIV sent an initial 100,000 euros in aid.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed sadness and offered UN support. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said the quake, the strongest to hit Venezuela in 126 years, would require “massive collective efforts.”
Venezuela’s northern coast lies on a boundary between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. The last significant quake in the region was in 1997, which killed 73 people. The 7.5-magnitude quake on Wednesday was the most powerful since a 7.7-magnitude tremor in 1900. Tremors were felt in neighbouring Colombia and several cities in northern Brazil.
Officials confirmed that at least two foreign nationals—an Italian and a Portuguese citizen—were among the dead. The death toll was expected to rise as search operations continued.
