Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes on الأربعاء afternoon, shaking the nation with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 recorded just 39 seconds apart. The epicenter was identified northwest of Montalbán, in Carabobo State, though the tremors were strongly felt as far as Caracas, nearly 186 miles away.
Following the seismic events, which the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center described as a “seismic doublet” — a rare phenomenon involving two major quakes occurring in quick succession within the same region — approximately 20 aftershocks have been reported across multiple states.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez promptly declared a state of emergency as the country grappled with the immediate aftermath. Initial official figures report at least 32 fatalities and 700 injuries, though these numbers are expected to rise, particularly in La Guaira, the area hardest hit by the disaster and now designated a disaster zone.
Widespread Damage and Disruption
Videos circulating on social media reveal scenes of widespread destruction, including multiple buildings collapsing across Caracas, Trujillo, Carabobo, Aragua, Miranda, and La Guaira. The Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, confirmed the severity of the event, stating that “all indications suggest” the magnitude exceeded 7. The powerful tremors also caused structural damage to Maiquetía International Airport near Caracas, collapsing part of its roof and leading to the cancellation of all flights.
The earthquake’s impact extended beyond structural damage; power outages have been reported in both La Guaira and Caracas, while metro and rail services have been suspended, compounding the challenges faced by emergency responders and residents in the affected regions.