Thousands are feared to be buried alive beneath rubble after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday night, with officials anticipating a dramatic rise in the death toll. As of late Thursday, the official death count reached approximately 235, with at least 4,300 individuals injured, according to Venezuela's Health Minister Carlos Alvarado.
The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes, among the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century, have left thousands missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with images from state television showing the dramatic extraction of survivors from collapsed structures, including a woman pulled alive from beneath a cement slab.
The coastal region of La Guaira, situated north of the capital Caracas, has reported some of the most severe damage and highest casualty numbers. The region's main airport sustained damage, leading to its closure and complicating the arrival of aid.
Devastation and Rescue Efforts
Buildings in affected areas were reduced to skeletons, with furniture exposed and streets cracked open. Families have been circulating missing-person flyers and handwritten lists in their search for loved ones. Many residents spent Thursday night in parks and open spaces due to the destruction. Residents have expressed frustration over the perceived slow pace of heavy machinery deployment, with volunteers and neighbors often leading the excavation efforts.
In downtown Caracas, hundreds opted to sleep in open areas for safety. The interrupted phone service has made it difficult for Venezuelans abroad to contact relatives. The natural disaster strikes as Venezuela faces significant economic challenges, and questions linger about the legitimacy of the current political leadership.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and announced the creation of a $200 million reconstruction fund for damaged infrastructure. She has appealed to businesses to provide heavy construction equipment to aid in rescue operations.
Geological Context and International Response
While Venezuela is situated near several fault lines, strong earthquakes are relatively uncommon due to its position between the South American and Caribbean plates. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the earthquakes were centered near Moron, approximately 170 kilometers west of Caracas. Geologists noted that the combination of two consecutive quakes and shallow seismic activity amplified the destructive impact.
Following calls from United Nations officials to lift social media restrictions, access to X (formerly Twitter) was restored for users within Venezuela. The platform had been blocked since August 2024.
International aid has been pledged by leaders from Mexico, Qatar, Brazil, Spain, Portugal, and Canada, with shipments already en route. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Rodríguez and confirmed the immediate deployment of U.S. assistance, acknowledging the logistical hurdles posed by the airport closure. Rescue teams from Mexico, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic, along with an aid flight from Mexico, arrived in Venezuela on Thursday. Neighboring countries have emphasized the importance of mutual support in disaster response.
The Venezuelan diaspora is also contributing to relief efforts. In Ecuador, a store owner reported receiving donations from both Venezuelans and Ecuadorians. However, individuals like Gabby Graham in Spokane, Washington, who regularly sends financial aid to her family in Venezuela, are facing difficulties in transferring funds due to communication disruptions and the inability to locate local business contacts who facilitate cash transfers.