Over 160 Dead as Twin Earthquakes Rock Venezuela; Rescue Efforts Intensify

Caracas: Venezuela launched a large-scale rescue and relief operation after two powerful earthquakes struck the country within minutes of each other, leaving at least 164 people dead and 971 injured and causing widespread destruction across several regions.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced the updated casualty figures on Thursday and said authorities were concentrating emergency resources on the worst-hit coastal areas. According to international media reports, the toll does not yet include all affected zones, raising concerns that the number of victims could increase.

Among the hardest-hit locations was La Guaira state, north of Caracas, which Rodriguez described as a disaster zone. Dozens of buildings reportedly collapsed there, triggering an extensive search operation for people believed to remain trapped beneath the rubble. State television footage showed rescue workers pulling survivors, including children, from collapsed structures.

Authorities said rescue personnel and heavy equipment were being redirected from across the country to accelerate operations. The government also appealed to private firms to provide machinery, while United Nations-certified search and rescue teams were expected to arrive to support local efforts.

The Venezuelan administration declared a state of emergency and announced a reconstruction fund worth $200 million aimed at repairing damaged homes and healthcare infrastructure. Schools were suspended for several days, with some educational institutions being converted into temporary shelters and aid centres.

The earthquakes — measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 by the US Geological Survey — struck near Moron on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and were among the strongest recorded in the country in more than a century. Tremors were felt far beyond Venezuela’s borders, including in Brazil’s Amazon region, prompting evacuations.

Infrastructure damage was also reported in Caracas, where parts of the city experienced power and communication disruptions, while airport, metro and gas services faced interruptions. International offers of humanitarian assistance began arriving as rescue operations continued.