Overview
- Two strong earthquakes reported at magnitudes of about 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on Wednesday and tore through Caracas and nearby areas, flattening buildings and collapsing roads.
- Casualty and displacement totals remain fluid with initial local counts and later aggregated reports differing; authorities and news outlets describe hundreds dead, many missing, and tens of thousands displaced.
- Venezuelan officials and rescuers say search-and-rescue operations are ongoing and that international assistance is arriving, with National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez calling each rescue a miracle and pledging transparency.
- Major League Baseball teams and Venezuelan players have mounted visible displays of support, including embroidered “VZ” caps, stadium moments of silence, and public outreach from players who are coordinating relief from the United States.
- High-profile figures such as Astros coach Omar López and Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas have confirmed family members are safe where possible and are helping organize longer-term aid and fundraising tied to the large Venezuelan diaspora and the WBC team network.