A rare seismic doublet, consisting of two powerful earthquakes striking 39 seconds apart, has devastated Venezuela's northern coast, killing at least 188 people and leaving more than 200 trapped, with fears that the death toll will rise. Thousands are reported missing and approximately 1,500 have been injured.
The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, occurred along the San Sebastian fault, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. They are among the strongest recorded in the South American nation in over a century. The initial 7.2-magnitude foreshock hit west of Morón on the Caribbean coast, about 105 miles west of the capital, Caracas. This was followed by the 7.5-magnitude mainshock centered southwest of Morón.
The back-to-back earthquakes resulted from shallow strike-slip faulting near the complex plate boundary between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the mainshock had a depth of about 6 miles.
Widespread Destruction and Rescue Efforts
La Guaira, a coastal region north of Caracas, has sustained some of the heaviest damage and casualties. Authorities have declared the city, approximately 103 miles east of the 7.5-magnitude quake's epicenter, a "disaster zone." Rescue teams from across Venezuela have been deployed to the area.
Civilians and emergency responders have been pulling survivors from concrete rubble, with many homes and buildings toppled. Families have posted missing-person flyers and handwritten lists of names in their search for loved ones. Power outages and cellphone service disruptions have hampered communication efforts. Venezuela's main airport in Caracas sustained damage and has been closed, while subway service and natural gas lines were suspended.
Classes have been canceled for several days, with schools being utilized as temporary shelters and donation centers.
International and Domestic Response
The U.S. announced it is sending two specialized urban search and rescue teams to Venezuela and will provide $150 million in assistance through non-governmental organizations and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. International search and rescue teams are expected to arrive in the coming hours, according to the United Nations. Qatar and Mexico are also among the countries sending aid.
Venezuelans residing in the U.S., estimated to be over 770,000, are organizing donation drives. The U.S. government is also providing a $200 million reconstruction fund for damaged homes and hospitals.
The earthquakes add to the ongoing crises in Venezuela, which has experienced more than a decade of economic turmoil. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who took office after the U.S. detained former President Nicolás Maduro, faces challenges in managing the recovery efforts.