The death toll from the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday has climbed to at least 164, with 971 others injured, as rescue teams race to find survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the updated figures on Thursday, describing the situation in several parts of the country as catastrophic and warning that search efforts remain underway in areas where dozens of people are still unaccounted for.
The back-to-back earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century. The tremors shook large parts of the country and were felt as far away as Brazil and Colombia.
Rescue Operations Intensify
Emergency crews worked through the night and into Thursday, using heavy machinery and power tools to cut through mountains of concrete and twisted metal left behind by the disaster.
One of the worst-hit areas is La Guaira state, north of Caracas, where authorities say entire buildings collapsed within seconds.
State television showed dramatic scenes as rescuers pulled three children alive from the rubble. Covered in dust but conscious, the children were carried to safety as crowds watched anxiously.
Rodríguez described La Guaira as a “disaster zone” and said additional rescue teams were being deployed from across the country.
“Dozens of buildings have collapsed there, and intensive operations are continuing to save lives,” she said.
Authorities are also appealing to private companies to provide heavy construction equipment to assist with rescue efforts.
The earthquakes sent residents rushing into the streets as buildings swayed violently across the capital.
Many people turned back moments later to find walls collapsed, roads cracked and power lines down. Thick clouds of dust filled the air in several neighbourhoods.
“It started gently, then became stronger and stronger,” said Caracas resident Hector Ricci. “In the end, everyone had to leave their homes and gather outside.”
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged residents to remain outdoors due to the risk of aftershocks, prompting thousands to spend the night in cars, public squares, subway stations and other open areas.
Some residents sat on pavements clutching pets, while others searched desperately for missing relatives.
Airport Closed, Services Disrupted
The earthquakes damaged and forced the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport, Venezuela’s main gateway.
Authorities also suspended metro services in Caracas, shut down natural gas supplies and cut classes nationwide for several days.
The Ministry of Education announced that some schools would be converted into temporary shelters and aid distribution centres.
Power outages and widespread cellphone disruptions added to the chaos, making it difficult for families to contact loved ones.
The communications blackout has been particularly distressing for the millions of Venezuelans living abroad, many of whom turned to social media seeking information about relatives.
International Assistance Arrives
The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency and established a $200 million reconstruction fund to repair damaged homes, hospitals and public infrastructure.
International support is already beginning to arrive.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington is deploying search-and-rescue teams, medical personnel and humanitarian assistance to support relief efforts.
Rodríguez later thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and confirmed she had spoken directly with Rubio.
Several other countries have also offered help. Ecuador has approved emergency aid shipments, while Qatar, Mexico and El Salvador have already dispatched rescue teams.
“We send you all our solidarity and prayers. Stay strong, Venezuela,” El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said in a message of support.
One Of Venezuela’s Worst Earthquakes
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the first quake, measuring 7.2 magnitude, struck west of Morón along Venezuela’s Caribbean coast at a depth of 22 kilometres.
Just one minute later, a second and stronger 7.5-magnitude quake struck nearby at a shallower depth of 10 kilometres, intensifying the destruction.
Although Venezuela lies near several fault lines, earthquakes of this magnitude are rare in the country compared with seismic hotspots such as Mexico and Chile.
As rescue teams continue searching for survivors beneath collapsed structures, officials warn that the death toll could rise significantly in the coming days.
