- At least 32 people were confirmed dead, according to Venezuelan authorities, but officials warned the toll was likely to rise as search and rescue teams continue their operations.
- With frantic rescue efforts underway, pledges of aid poured in from President Donald Trump, humanitarian organizations and a host of other countries. The U.S. said it was “immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance.”
- When the shaking stopped, thousands of frightened residents rushed onto the streets and were met with scenes of horror and obliteration.
- Jesus Alejandro Pina, a 38-year-old engineer in Caracas, described the earthquake as very, very strong and estimated it lasted about a minute.
- The twin earthquakes hit Venezuela around 6 p.m. ET yesterday, with the first being a 7.2 magnitude quake near the town of San Felipe, about 100 miles west of the capital, Caracas, followed 39 seconds later by a second, larger earthquake of 7.5 magnitude close to the town of Yumare.
- Authorities have declared a state of emergency, suspending classes, closing the country’s main airport and urging healthcare workers to report to hospitals.
- Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency as images showed buildings flattened and roads collapsed in Caracas and surrounding areas.
- Those figures do not include possible casualties in the state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, which Rodríguez described as a “true tragedy” and a “disaster zone.”
At least 32 people were killed and more than 700 injured in Venezuela after twin earthquakes struck around 6 p.m. ET, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.1
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, suspending classes and closing the main airport.9
The U.S. Geological Survey indicated a 44 percent chance of more than 10,000 dead, with a 33 percent chance of the toll surpassing 100,000.23
“It was very, very strong,” a resident recounted, describing the quake's duration as feeling like about a minute.5
Thousands fled to the streets, witnessing scenes of horror as buildings were flattened and roads collapsed.
“Both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths,” Trump stated, pledging support and humanitarian assistance.
The quakes occurred during a national holiday, leaving many at home.
Rodríguez noted that the figures do not include casualties from La Guaira, described as a “true tragedy” and a “disaster zone.”11
Rescue operations are ongoing, with the U.S. deploying search and rescue teams and medical resources to assist the affected areas.
“Venezuelans are sharing their experiences of the recent earthquakes, which have resulted in at least 32 confirmed deaths. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with President Trump pledging aid to the affected areas.”
