Overview
- The twin shocks hit Wednesday evening about 39 seconds apart and were recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey at roughly magnitude 7.1–7.5, with very shallow depths that amplified surface shaking.
- Venezuelan authorities declared a nationwide state of emergency and reported preliminary figures of at least 32 dead and more than 700 injured while warning those totals are provisional as search-and-rescue continues.
- The USGS issued a red-alert Pager assessment that warned high casualties and widespread damage are probable and provided a broad modeled worst-case fatality range to guide response planning.
- Simón Bolívar (Maiquetía) International Airport was closed for inspections, utilities and gas supplies were cut in damaged areas, and more than 20 aftershocks have complicated rescue operations.
- Multiple countries, including the United States, offered aid and the U.S. State Department has mobilized a disaster assistance team to coordinate search-and-rescue, medical help and humanitarian supplies while on-the-ground assessments proceed.