Rescue teams stepped up operations across Venezuela on Thursday after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday evening, killing at least 164 people, injuring nearly 1,000 and trapping an unknown number of people beneath collapsed buildings.The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes were among the most powerful earthquakes recorded to hit Venezuela in more than a century, causing widespread destruction in coastal and urban areas. The destruction also damaged the country’s main airport and triggered a large-scale national and international emergency response.Authorities rushed rescue workers from across the country to the hardest-hit areas, particularly La Guaira state on Venezuela’s northern coast, where many buildings collapsed.Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and described La Guerra as a “disaster area”. He said officials were using daylight to speed up efforts to reach people trapped under the debris.“Dozens of buildings have collapsed there… and we are currently conducting intensive rescue operations to save lives,” Rodriguez said.Rodriguez also appealed to private companies to provide heavy construction equipment and said UN-certified search and rescue teams were on their way to assist in operations.
emergency declared
The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency late Wednesday and announced a US$200 million reconstruction fund to repair damaged homes, hospitals and other infrastructure.Rodriguez said the economy and finance ministries have been tasked with monitoring reconstruction efforts as officials assess the scale of the destruction.Electricity and mobile phone connectivity were cut off in parts of Caracas following the earthquake. Subway services were suspended, natural gas supplies were cut off and classes were canceled for several days. Some school buildings will be used as temporary shelters and donation centers.Simon Bolivar International Airport, the country’s main aviation hub, was damaged and closed after the earthquake.
International aid starts arriving
As the scale of the disaster became clear, governments around the world offered assistance.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was deploying emergency assistance and expert teams to support Venezuela.“We will have a whole-of-government response,” Rubio said in Bahrain. “It will be bigger. It will be faster. It will be effective.”Rubio said one of the runways at Caracas’ international airport cracked during the earthquake, complicating relief flights.Rodriguez thanked US President Donald Trump for the assistance and later said he had spoken to Rubio by telephone. He also acknowledged messages of support and offers of help from many world leaders.Ecuador ordered humanitarian aid delivery, while Qatar, Mexico and El Salvador sent rescue workers.
Families are searching for missing relatives
As rescue operations continued, many families in Venezuela and abroad struggled to contact relatives due to damaged communications infrastructure.Missing notices began appearing online and in public places, with relatives circulating photographs and handwritten lists of those still unaccounted for.The United Nations Human Rights Mission in Venezuela urged the government to ease restrictions on social media and said access to reliable information would be vital in the post-disaster.“In the coming hours and days, timely access to reliable information and communication channels will be essential for the safety, security and well-being of life of the population,” the mission said.The appeal referenced sanctions imposed on X in 2024 following disputed presidential elections.