CARACAS: At least 164 people have been killed and more than 970 injured after powerful twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, destroying buildings near the capital and sending residents into the streets in panic.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed the rising toll on Thursday, saying La Guaira, north of Caracas, was among the hardest-hit areas. Authorities warned that the number of casualties could rise as rescue teams continued searching through collapsed structures.
Strongest quake since 1900
According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck west of Caracas on Wednesday evening, followed within less than a minute by a stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor.
The agency said the second quake was part of a rare seismic doublet, with the 7.5-magnitude mainshock coming just 39 seconds after the 7.2-magnitude foreshock.
The 7.5 quake was Venezuela’s most powerful since 1900, when a 7.7-magnitude tremor struck offshore.
Buildings collapse, airport closed
In La Guaira’s Catia La Mar area, residents searched for relatives trapped under the debris of collapsed buildings. The coastal city was without electricity, while many families spent the night outdoors.
Several residential buildings showed major cracks, fallen walls and structural damage. In Caracas, an entire 22-storey building collapsed in the Altamira neighbourhood, where volunteers climbed over rubble and called out the names of missing people.
The Maiquetia International Airport, located near Caracas, was closed after authorities reported serious damage to its infrastructure.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said emergency teams had been activated across affected areas and gas supplies were cut to several buildings as a precaution.
International help offered
France said it would send 85 rescuers, while Spain pledged 54 army search personnel. China, Brazil and the United States also offered assistance.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was deploying search-and-rescue teams, medical resources and humanitarian assistance.
The hardest-hit areas included La Guaira, Trujillo, Carabobo and Miranda. Tremors were also felt in neighbouring Colombia, including Bogotá, where alarms sounded and some buildings were evacuated.
Authorities warned that aftershocks could follow and urged residents to avoid damaged buildings while rescue and inspection operations continue.
