Overview
- Two very large, shallow earthquakes struck on Wednesday night about 39 seconds apart, the USGS reporting magnitudes of 7.2 then 7.5 and epicenters in central Venezuela, which amplified surface shaking and damage.
- Official casualty counts have risen during Thursday with widely reported ranges of roughly 164–188 dead and between about 971 and 1,520+ injured, while many people remain unaccounted for as searches continue.
- Search-and-rescue work is active and often led by local residents, Protección Civil, police and firefighters using hand tools and limited machinery, and the government declared a national state of emergency to prioritize rescue efforts.
- Critical infrastructure was heavily hit: Simón Bolívar (Maiquetía) airport was closed, the Caracas metro and rail services were suspended, and widespread power and water outages left thousands sleeping outdoors for fear of aftershocks.
- The quakes have prompted international offers of aid and highlight Venezuela’s seismic risk where older, vulnerable buildings mix with newer construction, creating urgent needs for heavy equipment, medical supplies and long-term rebuilding plans.