Venezuela counts cost of twin earthquakes amid rescue operations

iVenezuela has declared a state of emergency following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country within minutes of each other, causing widespread destruction and prompting a major rescue operation.

The earthquakes, measured at magnitudes between 7.1 and 7.5 by seismic monitoring agencies, shook several parts of the South American nation on Wednesday, with the capital, Caracas, among the worst affected areas. Numerous buildings collapsed, while panic-stricken residents rushed into the streets as the tremors and subsequent aftershocks rattled communities.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced the emergency declaration, saying the government had activated response measures to deal with the disaster. She also expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the tragedy.

Rescue workers continued searching through debris on Thursday amid fears that the death toll could rise as emergency teams gain access to heavily damaged locations. Early casualty figures varied, with authorities reporting dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, while experts warned the final toll could be significantly higher.

The disaster also disrupted transport and public services. Damage to the country’s main aviation gateway, Simón Bolívar International Airport, forced authorities to suspend operations, while power and communication outages were reported in several areas.

More than 20 aftershocks were recorded after the initial earthquakes, raising concerns about further structural damage and complicating rescue efforts. Authorities urged residents to remain cautious and avoid unsafe buildings while engineers assess affected structures.

Several countries and international organisations have offered assistance as Venezuela grapples with one of the most powerful seismic events to hit the nation in decades. Emergency aid, medical support and search-and-rescue teams are being mobilised to support local response efforts.

The earthquakes struck during a public holiday, increasing the number of people indoors when the tremors occurred. Emergency officials say rescue operations will continue around the clock as hopes remain of finding survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.