Two powerful earthquakes struck just outside the northwestern Venezuelan town of Yumare at around 6pm local time on Wednesday, with the violent shaking felt across the entire northern part of the country, including the capital Caracas. The second jolt, measuring 7.5 in magnitude, was the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900.
The Toll So Far
According to interim president Delcy Rodríguez, 164 people have been confirmed dead and more than 971 have been injured. Rodríguez was sworn in after the US captured former authoritarian president Nicolás Maduro in January.
The United States Geological Survey has warned that the final death toll could exceed 10,000, based on modeling and previous earthquakes. Across the country, families have reported more than 10,000 people missing on a website set up specifically for those who cannot be found.
State of Emergency Declared
In an address on national television on Wednesday night, Rodríguez declared a state of emergency. "The first message for our people is to stay united to save lives," she said, urging all doctors, nurses, and health workers to report to their workplaces to treat the injured. "And then we will address what needs to be done about recovering infrastructure, material recoveries," she added.
Nights on the Streets, Main Airport Shut
Fearful of aftershocks, many Venezuelans spent the night out on the streets. With buildings collapsing during and after the tremors, Rodríguez called on citizens whose homes were damaged to evacuate. The country's largest airport, in Maiquetía, was closed because of serious damage.
US Pledges Help
Early Thursday morning, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the American government would immediately deploy search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela. The announcement followed a Truth Social post in which President Donald Trump pledged support. "We will be there for our new and great friends," Trump wrote.
