Fears of 10,000 deaths following twin earthquakes in Venezuela

©picture alliance / Anadolu | Diko Betancourt

The strongest earthquake in over 100 years has caused devastation and a particularly high death toll in the South American country.

Venezuela has been severely affected by two powerful earthquakes that struck in quick succession on Wednesday evening, with an initial official toll of 32 dead and 700 injured. However, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), there is a real possibility that the death toll will be much higher, possibly exceeding 10,000.

In the north of the country, the epicenter was struck within a 39-second span by a quake measuring 7.2 and then 7.5 on the Richter scale. The tremors were followed by more than twenty aftershocks and caused extensive damage in several cities, including Caracas, where buildings collapsed and rescue workers are still searching for victims amid the rubble.

The coastal state of La Guaira, in particular, has been severely affected and has been declared a disaster area by the authorities. Dozens of buildings there are reported to have collapsed or been seriously damaged, while the search effort is being hampered by power outages and darkness. Puerto Cabello and San Felipe, located relatively close to the epicenter, are home to a combined population of over 400,000 people. This heightens fears of a high death toll.

The USGS warns that “a high number of fatalities and extensive damage” are likely, attributing this risk assessment to the strength of the earthquakes and their proximity to densely populated areas. According to historical data, the 7.5-magnitude quake would be the strongest in Venezuela in more than a century.

The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency, suspended train service, and closed the Caracas airport due to damage. Internationally, expressions of solidarity were quick to follow. Many countries stand ready to help. The United States said it was mobilizing aid, while neighboring countries and other nations in the region also offered support. The European Union, through Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, announced that it stands ready to step up aid to Venezuela, including through the Copernicus satellite program.

The Red Cross also reported that its headquarters in Venezuela itself sustained “critical damage,” though aid workers remain active and hospitals and basic services are being prioritized for the time being. Meanwhile, more than 11,000 people have already been reported missing.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke on Truth Social of a “terrible number of victims” and said the U.S. stands ready to send aid quickly. Pending further official figures, the situation remains extremely unclear, but all signs point to Venezuela being only at the beginning of a major humanitarian crisis.

©picture alliance / Anadolu | Diko Betancourt