Venezuela Earthquakes: 164 Dead, Over 970 Injured After Twin Tremors

A series of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, leaving at least 164 people dead and 971 injured, according to Acting President Delcy Rodriguez. The two main quakes, of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, were among the strongest to hit the country in over a century and were felt across the region, including as far away as Brazil's Amazon, some 1,700 kilometres from Caracas.

Rodriguez initially reported 32 fatalities but later revised the figure upward as rescue efforts continued. The area hardest hit is La Guaira state, north of Caracas, which Rodriguez described as a 'disaster zone.' Dozens of buildings collapsed there, and rescue workers, including many volunteers, worked through the night using power tools to search for survivors. Television footage showed three children covered in dust but alive being pulled from the rubble.

The US Geological Survey recorded the first quake at 7.2 magnitude west of Moron on the Caribbean coast, about 170 kilometres west of Caracas, at a depth of 22 kilometres. A second tremor of 7.5 magnitude struck about a minute later. Venezuela sits near multiple fault lines, straddling the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates, making strong earthquakes less common than in other parts of Latin America.

Rodriguez declared a state of emergency and urged health care professionals to report to hospitals. The casualty figures released early Thursday excluded La Guaira, so numbers are expected to rise. 'Dozens of buildings have collapsed there ... and we are currently carrying out intensive rescue operations to save lives,' she said.

In Caracas, people fled swaying buildings, many visibly shocked as dust rose from destroyed walls. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged residents to remain outside due to risk of aftershocks. Many spent the night in parked cars, subway stations, and public spaces. Parts of the capital lost power and cellphone coverage. The main airport, Simon Bolivar International, was damaged and closed. Subway services were suspended, natural gas shut off, and classes cancelled for several days. Some school buildings will serve as shelters and donation centres.

The lack of cellphone signal deepened distress for families, especially given the more than 7.7 million people who have left Venezuela during its protracted crisis and struggled to reach relatives. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, in exile, sent wishes for 'strength, serenity, and solidarity.'

Residents described the force of the quakes. Roberto Gamas said the building he was in 'shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong.' Hector Ricci recounted: 'It started off gently and then gradually grew, and in the end, we all had to leave our houses, go outside and gather together.'

The quakes struck amid an ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in Venezuela, which has seen severe economic hardship and mass emigration. The government has not provided a comprehensive damage assessment, and independent verification of the casualty figures is pending.