Two earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds on Wednesday, according to the National Seismological Service, resulting in at least 920 fatalities. The first tremor, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, occurred at 3:42 p.m. local time, followed by a second quake of 5.8 magnitude 17 seconds later, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The U.S. agency confirmed the quakes occurred in the northern coastal region, near the cities of La Guaira and Caracas.
Emergency officials reported that over 2,500 people were injured, with at least 180 structures collapsed in the capital and surrounding areas. The National Guard deployed search-and-rescue teams to affected zones, while the Venezuelan Red Cross organized temporary shelters for displaced families. President Nicolás Maduro announced a state of emergency in the affected regions, citing “extensive damage to infrastructure and critical services.”
The U.S. Geological Survey noted the earthquakes originated at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers, indicating shallow, potentially more destructive seismic activity. Local media reported that buildings in La Guaira, a coastal city with a population of around 300,000, suffered significant structural failures, including the collapse of a multi-story residential complex. Authorities in La Guaira confirmed 127 confirmed deaths in the city, with rescue operations ongoing in the rubble.
International response began within hours, with the governments of Colombia and Brazil offering humanitarian aid. Colombia’s Foreign Ministry stated it would send medical supplies and 50 emergency personnel, while Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed “deep concern” and pledged support. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 15,000 people were in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical care, though the exact number remains under assessment.
Venezuela’s seismic activity is not uncommon, with the country situated along the boundary of the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. However, the rapid succession of two major quakes in a short time frame has raised questions among geologists. Dr. Maria González, a seismologist at the Universidad Central de Venezuela, stated in a press conference that “the two events are likely related, but further analysis is needed to determine if they were part of a single tectonic adjustment or separate shocks.”
The disaster comes as Venezuela continues to face economic and political instability, with a 2023 World Bank report noting that 90% of the population lives below the poverty line. Infrastructure repairs have been delayed due to funding shortages, exacerbating the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters. The National Institute of Urban Development said it would prioritize restoring power and water systems in the hardest-hit areas, though officials acknowledged “limited resources” for large-scale reconstruction.
The U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory for Venezuela, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel amid the “ongoing risk of seismic activity and disrupted services.” Meanwhile, the European Union announced it would dispatch a team of disaster response experts to assist with damage assessments. A formal request for international aid is expected to be submitted to the UN Security Council by Friday.
As of Thursday, the death toll remains under review by local authorities, with additional casualties reported in the state of Miranda. The National Seismological Service has warned of potential aftershocks, advising residents to remain cautious. A joint task force comprising military and civilian agencies is conducting damage evaluations, with results to be released by the end of the week.
