Venezuela was struck by two violent earthquakes occurring just seconds apart on Wednesday evening, causing unprecedented devastation. The quakes, with epicenter near the northwestern town of Yumare, were felt as far as the capital Caracas, spreading panic and destruction. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, while the provisional death toll stands at 164 confirmed dead and over 971 injured. However, authorities fear the number could rise dramatically: according to the USGS model, the final toll could exceed 10,000 victims, with over 10,000 people reported missing.
164 Confirmed Deaths and Over 971 Injured: The Updated Preliminary Toll
In her national address, Rodríguez provided the first official figures: 164 confirmed deaths and 971 injured, many in serious condition. The strongest quake, magnitude 7.5, was the most powerful recorded in the country since 1900. The tremors caused numerous buildings to collapse, trapping many people under rubble. Rescuers work tirelessly to extract survivors, but operations are hampered by infrastructure damage and aftershocks that continue to shake the region. The largest airport in Maiquetía has been closed due to severe structural damage, complicating the arrival of international aid.
Sponsored Protocol
The Strongest Earthquake Since 1900: USGS Warning and Risk of a Humanitarian Catastrophe
The United States Geological Survey issued an alarming warning: based on seismic models and previous similar events, the final death toll estimate could exceed 10,000. The magnitude 7.5 quake was the most powerful to hit Venezuela in over 125 years, surpassing even the 1900 earthquake. The tremors triggered landslides and widespread damage across the entire northern part of the country. The international scientific community follows the situation with apprehension, as aftershocks continue to endanger the population. The interim government has called on all doctors, nurses, and health workers to immediately report to their workplaces to attend to the injured.
Sponsored Protocol
Interim Government Response: Evacuations and Call for Calm
Delcy Rodríguez, who took leadership after the capture of former authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro by the United States in January, urged the population to remain calm and follow authorities' instructions. On national television, she said: 'The first message for our people is to stay united to save lives.' She asked all citizens with damaged housing to evacuate their homes immediately, as many buildings collapsed during and after the quakes. Thousands of Venezuelans spent the night outdoors, terrified of further tremors. The government has set up temporary shelters in less affected areas, but the situation remains critical.
US Aid: Trump Promises Immediate Relief
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced early Thursday that the United States would immediately deploy search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela. President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, pledged full American support: 'We will be there for our new and great friends.' This intervention marks a strengthening of ties between the two countries after the fall of the Maduro regime. The United States has previously collaborated with Venezuela on scientific projects, such as creating a DNA biobank for endangered species, an example of cooperation now extending to humanitarian emergency. Meanwhile, the international community mobilizes to provide aid as Venezuela faces one of the most severe natural disasters in its recent history.
Sponsored Protocol
