The earthquake in Venezuela has claimed at least 32 lives and injured around 700 people after two powerful earthquakes struck the country’s capital, Caracas, causing widespread destruction and panic.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced the first official casualty figures as emergency workers continued searching damaged buildings for survivors.
Buildings collapse in Caracas
The earthquakes struck within a minute of each other, with the first measuring magnitude 7.2 and the second registering 7.5.
Several structures collapsed across Caracas, trapping residents beneath rubble. In Baruta municipality, Mayor Darwin González confirmed that three people died after two buildings collapsed, while emergency teams rescued other residents and treated the injured.
Officials warned that the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Residents spend night outdoors
Many residents spent the night outside following the earthquake in Venezuela amid fears of further aftershocks and concerns over damaged buildings.
Authorities urged people not to return to homes until safety assessments had been completed.
Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion, with some areas experiencing power cuts and communication disruptions.
International support offered
Rodríguez thanked US President Donald Trump for offering assistance and support during the crisis. She said Washington had remained in close contact with Venezuelan authorities.
Trump earlier stated that the United States stood “ready, willing, and able to help” and had instructed government agencies to prepare rapid assistance efforts.
Several Latin American nations also pledged support. El Salvador announced the preparation of rescue teams and supplies, while Ecuador, Brazil and Mexico also offered aid.
Transport disruption and aftershocks
Authorities suspended metro and train services and cancelled classes for the rest of the week.
Maiquetía International Airport was also closed after sustaining damage during the earthquakes.
Officials reported more than 20 aftershocks after the initial tremors, raising fears of further structural damage.
What caused the earthquakes?
Venezuela lies in a highly active seismic region where the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates meet.
According to geological experts, the larger earthquake was triggered by shallow strike-slip faulting along the plate boundary. Experts also warned that additional aftershocks with strong shaking remain possible.
Emergency teams continue to assess the full impact of the Venezuela earthquake as rescue efforts remain under way.
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