Venezuela is reeling from a catastrophic double earthquake that struck on Wednesday evening, with two powerful tremors hitting just 39 seconds apart. The first measured 7.2 in magnitude and the second 7.5, making this the most powerful seismic event to hit the country in a century. At least 188 people have been killed, more than 1,520 have been injured, and over 200 remain buried under collapsed structures as rescue teams push through a second day of operations.
Two Tremors in Under a Minute
The sequence unfolded with terrifying speed on Wednesday evening local time. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck first, and within just 39 seconds a second, stronger tremor measuring 7.5 followed. The near-simultaneous strikes left residents with almost no time to react. The northern reaches of the country suffered the worst of the destruction, with hundreds of buildings brought down and thousands of people affected.
Death Toll at 188, More Than 1,520 Injured
Official figures place the confirmed death toll at a minimum of 188 people. More than 1,520 others have sustained injuries. Relief agencies have warned that both counts are likely to increase as crews continue working through the debris.
Over 200 People Still Buried, Rescue Operations Ongoing
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez has stated that more than 200 people are still believed to be trapped beneath the wreckage of collapsed buildings. Heavy machinery and specialist rescue units are working around the clock to reach anyone still alive under the rubble.
La Guaira Declared an Official Disaster Zone
The coastal state of La Guaira, situated just north of the capital Caracas, has suffered the greatest devastation. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has formally declared it an official disaster zone, acknowledging the scale of destruction across the region.
Three Children Pulled Alive from Collapsed Building
Amid the widespread grief and destruction, rescue teams delivered a rare moment of hope by extracting three children alive from beneath a collapsed building. The news spread quickly across the country, offering a brief respite from an otherwise relentless stream of tragedy.
International Aid Mobilises
Multiple countries have stepped forward to assist Venezuela. Mexico has dispatched doctors and rescue teams to the affected areas. United Nations-certified Urban Search and Rescue teams are also arriving to bolster relief efforts on the ground. The United States and several other nations have also made formal offers of assistance.
Caracas Airport Damaged, Flights Suspended
The main international airport serving Caracas sustained damage in the earthquakes, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend all flight operations there.
Tremors Felt Hundreds of Kilometres Away
The force of the twin earthquakes was strong enough to be felt far beyond Venezuela's borders. People in Brazil's Amazon region and across several Caribbean nations also reported feeling the tremors hundreds of kilometres from the epicentre.
Economic Damage Could Reach 7 Percent of GDP
Analysts estimate that the disaster could cost Venezuela between 1 and 7 percent of its GDP. The government has already begun the process of establishing a reconstruction fund in cooperation with the IMF.
Children's Mental Health a Long-Term Concern
Relief agencies and experts have emphasised that rebuilding damaged structures is only one dimension of the recovery. The psychological wellbeing of children and young people will require sustained care and attention over many years. The emotional impact of disasters of this magnitude, experts note, can linger for a very long time.
