Venezuela earthquakes kill at least 32, with 700 injured, as buildings destroyed across Caracas

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in quick succession, both causing strong tremors in the capital of Caracas.

At least 32 dead, 700 injured in Venezuelan earthquakes

At least 32 people were killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes jolted Venezuela, the country’s acting President Delcy Rodriguez said in an official update on Thursday.

Rodriguez said the coastal state of La Guaira in northern Venezuela was the hardest hit, describing it as a ‘disaster zone,’ where dozens of buildings had completely collapsed.

‘La Guaira state is a true tragedy,’ Rodriguez said on Venezuelan state television, Chinese news agency reported.

The preliminary toll of 32 deaths and 700 injuries did not include La Guaira state, as connectivity problems are currently affecting the area, she said.

At least 32 people were killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela on Wednesday. The back-to-back tremors caused widespread destruction in Caracas and nearby regions, with dozens of buildings collapsing and rescue teams searching for survivors trapped under the rubble.

Venezuela declares State of Emergency

Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has announced a State of Emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck the South American nation, causing widespread damage.

“Following the strong earthquakes recorded this afternoon in the country, we have declared a State of Emergency throughout the national territory. We call on all citizens to remain alert, safe, and as calm as possible,” Rodriguez said in a post on X.

She also announced that the Maiquetia airport has been closed due to earthquake damage. She assured that the security bodies, medical services, and civil protection teams are deployed across the country to carry out rescue and relief operations.

Chinese news agency correspondents reported shaking windows and toppled bookshelves at their residences in the capital, and images circulating on social media showed collapsed houses on the streets of Caracas.

Deeply saddened, India ready to extend all possible assistance: PM Modi on Venezuela earthquakes

Taking to X, PM Modi said, “Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of India, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially to the families who have lost their loved ones.” Worldwidenews

“We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time,” he said.

“India stands ready to extend all possible assistance,” the Prime Minister added.

Cabello urged Venezuelans to avoid staying inside buildings in the coming hours due to the risk of strong aftershocks that could cause further collapses, while calling on the public to remain calm and united as the country deals with the quake's aftermath.

Meanwhile, Colombian media reported that the quake was also felt strongly in several cities in neighbouring Colombia.

The USGS said the two quakes are likely to result in high casualties and extensive damage.

In a separate incident, a powerful earthquake measuring a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 struck northeastern Japan on Thursday morning, shaking a wide area across the country's northeast and briefly disrupting transport services. However, authorities said there was no tsunami threat, according to local media reports.

The quake struck off the Pacific coast of Iwate Prefecture at around 7:30 am local time and occurred at a depth of 50 kilometres, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. and occurred at a depth of 50 kilometres, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.