- Two back-to-back earthquakes in Caracas caused deaths and extensive building collapses.
- Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency across the country.
- International aid is being mobilised from the US and Latin American neighbours.
A magnitude 7.2 tremor hit Yaracuy, while 39 seconds later a 7.5 quake struck. These tremors killed 32 people and injured 700 in Caracas. Residents fled into the streets as buildings fell. The event happened during a national holiday commemorating the Battle of Carabobo.
The shockwaves were felt in Bogotá, over 1,000km away. More than 20 aftershocks hit the northern coastline, including Falcón and Carabobo. Buildings made of adobe and brick masonry are highly vulnerable, increasing the likelihood of high fatalities as noted by the USGS.
Magnitude 7.5 quake caused massive devastation in Caracas
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez paused airport and rail services. Maiquetía airport is closed due to structural damage. Internet blackouts and fuel supply cuts affect the city. Schools are shut for the week and the interior ministry advised people to exit unstable homes.
In Chacao, the mayor Gustavo Duque Saez reported two total building collapses. Over 500 emergency workers are digging through rubble. Eighteen survivors were pulled out alive. The USGS warns deaths could reach 100,000 based on a 40% probability model.
President Rodríguez expressed her « immediate condolences » to the victims. Donald Trump mentioned a « devastating number of deaths » on Truth Social. He stated Washington is « ready, willing and able » to help, instructing agencies to move quickly to assist friends.
El Salvador provided 50 tonnes of gear and 300 rescuers. Daniel Noboa Azin of Ecuador arranged immediate aid. Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is assessing what help the « sister nation » needs. Initial tsunami warnings for the Caribbean were cancelled
