A series of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other on Wednesday evening, triggering widespread damage and prompting authorities to declare a national emergency. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake measured magnitude 7.2 and was immediately followed by a magnitude 7.5 quake, with both epicentres located about 290 kilometres west of Caracas.
The powerful tremors were felt across large parts of the country. Initial reports indicate that multiple buildings were damaged, while several multi-storey structures collapsed. Authorities have launched large-scale relief and rescue operations in the affected areas.
The USGS preliminary assessment raised concerns about the scale of the disaster. According to the agency, there is a 44 percent probability that more than 10,000 people may have died in the disaster, while the probability of fatalities exceeding 100,000 is estimated at nearly 30 percent.
These are preliminary estimates, and the Venezuelan government has not officially confirmed any death or injury figures. Authorities said communication has been disrupted with several areas, and assessing the full extent of the damage may take time.
Caracas is among the worst-affected cities. Several buildings developed cracks during the earthquakes, while some collapsed completely.
According to local media, part of the roof of Caracas International Airport also collapsed, creating a large cloud of dust. The airport was immediately closed for safety reasons. Several government offices and private establishments were evacuated. Large numbers of residents gathered in open areas with their families amid concerns over possible aftershocks.
Following the earthquakes, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national emergency across Venezuela.
In an address to the nation, she said the government was prioritising relief and rescue operations in all affected areas. She appealed to doctors, nurses and emergency service personnel to return to duty immediately. She also stated that several countries had contacted Venezuela to offer assistance and condolences. The government has deployed the military and the national disaster response force for rescue operations.
Rescue teams are searching for people trapped beneath collapsed structures in Caracas and surrounding areas.
Gustavo Duque, Mayor of Chacao Municipality, said at least 18 people had been rescued during the initial hours of the operation. More than 500 rescue personnel are conducting search and relief operations across multiple locations. Heavy machinery, search dogs and specialised equipment are being used to locate survivors. Several injured people were taken to hospitals during overnight operations, while some were reported to be in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses described the impact of the earthquakes across affected regions.
Luisa Martínez, 68, a resident of Valencia, the capital of Carabobo state, said she believed her house would collapse at any moment. She said her family embraced each other and prayed for their safety, adding that it was the most powerful earthquake she had experienced in her lifetime.
Other residents reported that buildings shook violently and many people were unsure where to go during the tremors. Following the earthquakes, many gathered outside while awaiting further updates.
Concerns over a possible tsunami emerged immediately after the earthquakes.
The United States Tsunami Warning Center initially issued warnings for coastal areas within approximately 300 kilometres of the epicentre. Precautionary alerts were also issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
A later update stated that there was no longer a tsunami threat for any coastal area. Authorities nevertheless advised residents to remain alert.
Separately, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake was recorded in Japan.
According to the USGS, the epicentre was located northeast of Kuji City. No major damage or casualties were reported. Railway services were temporarily suspended as a precaution, and inspections of infrastructure were initiated. Japanese authorities said they were continuing to monitor the situation.
According to experts, the earthquakes are among the most powerful recorded in Venezuela over the past 126 years.
The country previously recorded a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in 1900, while a magnitude 6.6 earthquake in 1967 killed more than 200 people. Relief and rescue operations remain underway, and authorities expect a clearer assessment of the damage in the coming hours.
