- Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela’s northern coast, causing widespread destruction and structural collapses near San Felipe.
- Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency as rescue teams search for survivors amidst power outages and damaged infrastructure.
- Hospitals are overwhelmed with injuries while blocked roads and communication failures continue to hinder emergency relief efforts across the affected region.
- Initial tsunami warnings for the Venezuelan coastline and Caribbean islands have been lifted, though seismologists warn of severe damage and potential aftershocks.
CARACAS, Venezuela : Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coastal region in rapid succession late Wednesday, causing widespread destruction, structural collapses, and major disruptions to communications and transport networks. Authorities have declared a state of emergency as rescue operations continue and casualty figures remain unconfirmed.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake measured magnitude 7.2 and occurred at approximately 6:04 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located near San Felipe, about 16 miles from the city. Less than a minute later, a second and stronger quake, measuring magnitude 7.5, struck the same region at a shallow depth of approximately nine miles.
The close timing and intensity of the two tremors significantly amplified the destruction across the affected areas, collapsing residential and commercial buildings, damaging highways, and triggering panic among residents. The shaking was reportedly felt across a wide region, including parts of neighboring Colombia and the southern Caribbean.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez addressed the nation in a televised statement, declaring a national emergency and expressing condolences to those affected. She said emergency services had been fully mobilized, although officials have not yet released confirmed casualty figures due to widespread communication and infrastructure failures.
Hospitals in Caracas, San Felipe, and La Guaira have reported a sharp influx of injured people, with many facilities operating on backup generators amid extensive power outages. Emergency responders, supported by civilian volunteers, are continuing search-and-rescue operations in collapsed structures, particularly in heavily affected urban areas.
In San Felipe and surrounding municipalities, access remains severely restricted due to blocked roads and damaged bridges, further complicating relief efforts. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage.
Seismologists warn that the shallow depth and high magnitude of both earthquakes likely contributed to severe surface-level destruction, particularly in densely populated areas with vulnerable building structures.
Initial tsunami warnings issued for parts of Venezuela’s coastline and nearby Caribbean islands were later lifted after monitoring stations confirmed no significant sea-level disturbances.
The earthquakes occurred amid ongoing national instability, further straining emergency response systems and already weakened infrastructure. International agencies are reportedly preparing humanitarian assistance, although logistical and access challenges remain.
