A devastating Earthquake disaster has struck Venezuela, causing widespread destruction and leaving hundreds of people trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Rescue teams are continuing search operations after two powerful tremors hit areas in and around the capital, Caracas.
The first Earthquake measured magnitude 7.2 and struck about 160 kilometres west of Caracas on Wednesday evening. Less than a minute later, a stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor shook the same region. Officials described it as the strongest earthquake recorded in the area since 1900.
The back-to-back tremors caused severe damage to homes, apartment buildings, and public infrastructure. Thousands of residents were forced to leave their homes as buildings collapsed or became unsafe. Emergency services rushed to affected areas to rescue survivors and provide medical assistance.
Venezuela’s ongoing economic challenges have made the disaster even more difficult to manage. Weak infrastructure and limited emergency resources have slowed rescue efforts in several locations. Authorities continue working around the clock to reach people believed to be trapped under the rubble.
Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said medical centres had received around 235 bodies by Thursday night. However, officials said the final death toll has not yet been confirmed because rescue operations are still underway.
Earlier, Jorge Rodriguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly and brother of interim President Delcy Rodriguez, said nearly 200 people were believed to be trapped. He also reported that approximately 250 buildings had been damaged or completely destroyed by the powerful tremors.
Several key facilities also suffered heavy damage during the disaster. At least eight hospitals were affected, along with the headquarters of the Venezuelan Red Cross and the French embassy. Damage to these facilities has created additional challenges for emergency response teams.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the situation was especially severe in La Guaira state. Around 70,000 families have reportedly been affected by the disaster. Many residents have been displaced and are now staying in temporary shelters while authorities assess the damage.
Rescue workers continue searching through collapsed buildings as aftershocks shake Caracas and nearby coastal areas. Heavy machinery, search dogs, and emergency teams remain on the ground in an effort to locate survivors and assist injured residents.
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The Earthquake has left communities facing enormous challenges as recovery efforts continue. Authorities remain focused on rescuing those still missing, supporting displaced families, restoring damaged infrastructure, and ensuring emergency aid reaches the hardest-hit areas. Rescue operations are expected to continue until every possible survivor has been accounted for.
