Powerful Earthquakes Shake Venezuela, Prompting State of Emergency

On Wednesday evening, Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes, causing widespread damage and panic among residents. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency in a national address, marking the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes as among the most severe to hit Venezuela in over a century.

These earthquakes struck shortly after 6 p.m., affecting multiple states but the official figures for fatalities, injuries, and the extent of damage remain unclear. The tremors were felt as far as Brazil’s Amazon, approximately 1,700 kilometers from Caracas.

The Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas sustained damage and closed, according to Rodríguez. Subway and natural gas services in Caracas were halted, and Citizens were encouraged to report damages via a government app. Schools were closed for several days, with some buildings repurposed as shelters and donation centers.

Rodríguez urged calm, unity, and requested health care professionals assist the injured in hospitals.

Details of the Earthquakes

The U.S. Geological Survey revised the initial magnitude of the first earthquake from 7.1 to 7.2, with its epicenter west of Morón on the Caribbean coast, approximately 168 kilometers west of Caracas, and a depth of 22 kilometers.

The second earthquake, recorded as 7.5 magnitude, occurred shortly after. It had a depth of 10 kilometers, with the epicenter 16 kilometers southwest of Morón.

In Falcon state, 32 people were hospitalized, and 15 were trapped after the quake, as reported by Governor Víctor Clark.

International Assistance

Offers of help have come from various countries, including the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay.

Jeremy P. Lewin, the U.S. undersecretary of state for foreign assistance, stated that the State Department had mobilized disaster teams to coordinate aid consisting of search-and-rescue teams, medical and humanitarian supplies.

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele offered support, expressing solidarity and prayers on social media. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa assured swift delivery of humanitarian aid, stressing the importance of humanity over differences. Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz offered his country’s assistance.

Brazil’s administration expressed solidarity, noting no reported injuries among Brazilians.

Widespread Impact in Venezuela

Many Caracas residents evacuated swaying buildings, leaving visibly shocked. Dust columns rose in neighborhoods with normally busy restaurants and businesses. People congregated on the streets, some sitting with pets amid debris, while power outages and loss of cellphone signal added to distress.

Caracas resident Hector Ricci described the quake’s gradual intensification, prompting everyone to evacuate. Roberto Gamas reported significant shaking, calling the force unreal.

Venezuela’s opposition leader, María Corina Machado, urged resilience and solidarity in a message shared online.

Officials Respond

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed the earthquakes were felt across multiple states, urging motorists to allow ambulance and emergency vehicle passage. The Altamira neighborhood experienced collapses, suggesting injuries.

Cabello advised caution, especially for children and the elderly, and recommended staying outside due to potential aftershocks. He emphasized coordination in rescue efforts.

Regional Effects

Buildings were evacuated in Manaus, Belem, and Macapá in Brazil’s Amazon. The quakes were felt in Colombia’s Caribbean and northeast regions, though no damage or injuries were reported.

The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts following the earthquakes but retracted them promptly.

Earthquake Frequency

Though strong earthquakes are rare in Venezuela, its geographic position near fault lines makes such occurrences less common compared to Pacific coastal regions like Mexico and Chile, which experience frequent seismic activity from the Ring of Fire.

This area is responsible for 90% of earthquakes globally, according to the USGS.

Reporters including Garcia Cano from Bogota, Clara Preve from Buenos Aires, and others contributed to this coverage.