At least 164 people have been confirmed dead and 971 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, triggering widespread destruction and prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, hit within 40 seconds of each other on Wednesday evening. Officials described the disaster as the most powerful seismic event to strike the South American nation in more than a century.
The coastal state of La Guaira, located north of the capital, Caracas, was among the worst-affected areas, suffering extensive structural damage that led authorities to designate it a disaster zone. Rescue teams continued combing through collapsed buildings on Thursday in search of survivors, with officials warning that the death toll could rise as operations continue.
In Caracas, frightened residents rushed into the streets as buildings swayed violently. The earthquakes triggered widespread power outages, disrupted communications and damaged roads and other critical infrastructure across the capital.
Authorities suspended metro and rail services, closed schools and restricted parts of the national transport network while emergency teams carried out safety assessments and damage evaluations.
Several aftershocks were recorded in the hours following the disaster, heightening fears of further destruction and complicating rescue efforts.
Rodríguez announced a series of emergency measures aimed at supporting affected communities and appealed for assistance as the government works to restore essential services and determine the full extent of the devastation.
