Two powerful earthquakes have struck Venezuela, likely causing numerous casualties and injuries. The first tremor occurred around 6:05 PM local time on Wednesday evening (12:05 AM German time), followed by a second quake just half an hour later. Authorities reported magnitudes ranging from 6.9 to 7.5. While approximately 18 earthquakes of this magnitude occur globally each year, leading to significant structural damage, this particular event marked the strongest seismic activity recorded in Venezuela over the past century.
Initial reports indicate that buildings collapsed in the capital, Caracas, and several other cities. The Venezuelan government confirmed that victims had been reported but declined to release specific figures. In response, President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency, mobilizing emergency services to support the affected areas. She also announced the suspension of schooling and non-essential public services to facilitate rescue operations. Furthermore, gas and power networks were shut down, and Simón Bolívar Airport was closed due to structural damage. Rescue teams continued searching the rubble for survivors while hospitals in the capital prepared to treat the injured.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump commented on the disaster during the night, stating that the two severe earthquakes impacting the Venezuelan people were of enormous magnitude and had claimed a devastating number of lives. He assured that the United States is prepared and capable of providing assistance, having instructed all relevant authorities to be ready for a swift deployment. Trump concluded by acknowledging the dire situation, noting, “The first reports are bad.”
