Venezuela Twin Earthquakes Kill 32, Injure 700 in Caracas

Venezuela earthquakes killed 32 and injured 700 after 7.2 and 7.5 tremors struck Caracas, prompting emergency response.

Collapsed buildings in Caracas after Venezuela twin earthquakes that killed 32 people

Venezuela was thrown into chaos on Wednesday evening after two massive earthquakes struck minutes apart near the capital.

Officials confirm at least 32 people have died and more than 700 others were injured as buildings crumbled in Caracas and surrounding towns.

The disaster unfolded quickly. Residents ran into the streets as concrete blocks fell and dust filled the air. Dozens of buildings collapsed into piles of shattered concrete and steel in and around Caracas.

How it happened

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the first tremor measured magnitude 7.2 and hit about 100 miles west of Caracas. Barely a minute later, a stronger 7.5 magnitude quake followed.

It is the strongest shaking Venezuela has seen in more than 125 years, according to early assessments.

The quakes were felt across several states. Authorities briefly issued two tsunami alerts for the coast before lifting them.

More than two dozen aftershocks have rattled the country since, keeping families outside their homes overnight.

Government declares emergency

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez addressed the nation early Thursday. She confirmed the death toll and said La Guaira, close to the capital, was among the worst-hit areas.

Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and appealed for calm. "We urge our population to remain calm," she said. "We urge unity."

She warned that the casualty figures could rise as rescue teams reach remote communities.

Damage on the ground

Footage from Caracas showed collapsed apartment blocks, cracked roads, and plumes of smoke rising above neighbourhoods. Emergency workers are digging through rubble with bare hands and heavy machines.

Hospitals in the capital are overwhelmed. Officials say more than 700 injured people have been treated so far, many with broken bones and head injuries.

International concern grows

The USGS warned that "high casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread". Its initial models feared deaths could reach between 10,000 and 100,000.

US officials said they are in contact with Venezuelan authorities. President Donald Trump described the deaths as devastating and said America is ready to help with relief supplies.

Rescue operations are still ongoing. With aftershocks continuing and many families displaced, Venezuela faces a long recovery ahead.