More than 160 people have been confirmed dead after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction in the capital, Caracas, and several other regions.
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit within seconds of each other at about 6:00 p.m. local time, triggering panic, collapsing buildings and leaving hundreds injured.
Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise significantly as rescue teams continue to search through rubble in some of the hardest-hit areas, where communication and power disruptions have hampered emergency operations.
Rescue efforts continue amid widespread devastation
Emergency workers have been combing through collapsed structures in Caracas in search of survivors. In several affected neighbourhoods, residents trapped beneath debris have reportedly called out for help as rescue operations continue.
The disaster has left many families homeless, forcing residents to spend the night in public squares, streets and temporary shelters amid fears of aftershocks.
Power outages and internet disruptions have also made it difficult for authorities to assess the full extent of the damage across the country.
Residents recount terrifying moments
Many survivors described scenes of panic as buildings shook violently.
Verónica, a Caracas resident, said she feared for her life as the tremors rocked her apartment building.
“I thought I was going to die,” she said, adding that cracks had appeared throughout the structure and that it may no longer be safe to live in.
Other residents reported hearing loud crashes as walls collapsed and household items were thrown across rooms.
Nicole Kolster, a journalist living in Caracas, said she rushed to shelter as her apartment building shook.
“The only thing I could think to do was find protection. I thought the building was going to fall on top of me,” she said.
Major damage reported in several regions
The state of La Guaira, located north of Caracas, is among the areas worst affected by the disaster.
Images from the region show collapsed buildings, large fires and overwhelmed medical facilities treating injured residents.
Venezuela’s Interim President, Delcy Rodríguez, described the situation as a “true tragedy” and confirmed that dozens of buildings had collapsed.
Authorities have yet to determine the full number of casualties in the region.
Other heavily affected areas include the states of Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcón, where rescue and recovery efforts remain ongoing.
Fears of rising casualties
Officials say the scale of the disaster is still unfolding, with many communities cut off by damaged infrastructure.
Hundreds of people remain displaced, while others are waiting anxiously for news about missing relatives, friends and pets trapped in damaged buildings.
The earthquakes are among the deadliest to hit Venezuela in decades and have revived memories of the devastating 1967 Caracas earthquake, which killed more than 200 people and caused extensive damage across the capital.
As rescue operations continue, authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow safety directives amid the risk of further aftershocks.
