Back-to-back Caracas quakes leave families shaken, deaths feared widely.
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in quick succession on Thursday, toppling homes and apartment blocks, cutting power in parts of the capital and leaving rescuers scrambling to reach survivors amid scenes of chaos and grief.
The tremors — felt strongly across Caracas and in neighbouring Colombia — collapsed dozens of buildings, according to local officials, and have so far been linked to at least 32 confirmed deaths. Authorities warned the casualty figure could rise sharply as rescue teams work through night and day to find people trapped under rubble.
Delcy Rodríguez, who is serving as Venezuela’s interim leader, declared a state of emergency in the hardest-hit regions and mobilised the military and civil protection services to assist with search-and-rescue operations. “All necessary resources have been deployed,” she said, urging calm and cooperation as teams assessed the damage and looked for those still missing.
The earthquakes occurred within minutes of one another, amplifying destruction in already fragile structures. Residents described the first quake as a long, rolling jolt that sent furniture sliding and chandeliers swaying, followed by a sharper, more violent shock that caused older buildings to crack and newer ones to shake alarmingly. Streets filled with people carrying children and pets in the hours after the tremors, while neighbours formed human chains to pull survivors from trapped cars and collapsed stairwells.
Emergency responders faced immediate challenges. Aftershocks continued through the day, complicating efforts to stabilise unstable buildings and hampering the use of heavy machinery near precarious wreckage. In several communities, rescuers relied on hand tools and small teams to reach pockets where people were reported missing. Hospitals in Caracas and affected regions reported a surge in patients with fractures, lacerations and crush injuries; some medical centres issued urgent calls for blood donations and supplies.
Power outages and disrupted communications added to the difficulties. Authorities reported interruptions to electricity and water services in parts of the capital, and some neighbourhoods faced blocked roads from debris and fallen walls. International aid agencies and nearby countries offered assistance, and Colombian officials confirmed they had felt the tremors but reported no major damage on their side of the border at the time of reporting.
Local voices highlighted both the human cost and the strain on communities. A volunteer rescuer said teams were running on adrenaline and coffee, moving from one collapsed building to another, while a mother who had been pulled from the street hugged her child and wept as neighbours wrapped them in blankets. Community leaders appealed for specialised equipment — sniffer dogs, concrete-cutting tools and night-vision lighting — to expand the search safely as darkness fell.
Seismologists cautioned that the initial figures could be only the start. In the immediate aftermath of major quakes, aftershocks can destabilise structures and complicate rescue work, and remote or marginalised areas often take longer to reach. Officials urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid damaged buildings and follow instructions from civil protection teams.
As recovery efforts began, questions also emerged about building standards, preparedness and emergency response capacity. For now, the priority for families and first responders remains locating survivors and tending to the injured as Venezuela tallies the full human and material toll.
- Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela in quick succession, causing widespread damage.
- At least 32 confirmed deaths; officials warn the toll may rise.
- Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and mobilised military and civil protection.
- Dozens of buildings collapsed; rescue teams searching amid aftershocks.
- Power, water and communications disrupted in parts of Caracas and surrounding areas.
- Hospitals reported many injured; urgent calls for medical supplies and blood donations.
- Neighbouring Colombia felt tremors but reported no major damage initially.
- Rescuers request specialised equipment (sniffer dogs, cutting tools, lighting).
- Concerns raised about building standards and preparedness.