A pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction, killing at least 164 people, and leaving hundreds more missing as rescue efforts continue. The tremors, the strongest to hit the region in over a century, reduced buildings to rubble and sent terrified residents fleeing into the streets.
The first quake registered a magnitude of 7.2, striking approximately 100 miles west of the capital, Caracas. It was followed just 39 seconds later by an even stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor. The U.S. Geological Survey warned that the death toll could significantly increase, with estimates ranging from at least 10,000 to potentially over 100,000.
Horrifying footage from El Junquito, a town about 12 miles outside Caracas, showed buildings collapsing into clouds of dust and debris. Screams and the sounds of destruction echoed in the background as frightened families, some carrying children, fled for safety. Erick Monasterios captured video of the chaotic scene, navigating streets littered with rubble and overturned motorcycles as he searched for his mother.
Entire structures were leveled by the violent quakes. In La Guaira, a coastal city, buildings and debris were seen strewn along the shoreline.
In the aftermath, U.S. President Trump pledged assistance to the earthquake-stricken country via Truth Social. He stated that the United States stands ready to help and has instructed government agencies to prepare for rapid deployment. "WE will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!!" he wrote.