Devastating Twin Earthquakes Kill 235 in Venezuela, Thousands Injured as Rescue Efforts Intensify

At least 235 people have been killed and more than 4,300 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, triggering widespread destruction and leaving hundreds trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude hit within less than a minute of each other on Wednesday night, marking the strongest quake to hit Venezuela in 126 years. Powerful aftershocks continued to shake the region on Thursday, complicating rescue operations.

The worst devastation was reported in La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas, where buildings cracked, collapsed, and tilted dangerously. Residents desperately searched through debris as rescue workers struggled with limited equipment and a shortage of trained personnel.

Heartbreaking scenes unfolded across the disaster zone, with survivors hearing trapped victims cry out for help beneath the rubble. In one incident, a young girl trapped inside a collapsed building reportedly died after hours of waiting for rescue teams to arrive. Hospitals in affected areas were overwhelmed as ambulances brought in injured residents, including children rescued from destroyed structures.

Interim president Delcy Rodriguez visited the affected region after authorities declared La Guaira a disaster zone. The country’s international airport, located in the same area, has been shut down after suffering major structural damage, raising concerns over delays in relief operations.

International support has begun pouring in, with countries including Switzerland, Spain, France, Portugal, Mexico, China, India, Brazil, and Iran offering rescue teams and emergency assistance. The United States announced deployment of warships, helicopters, transport aircraft, and $150 million in aid, while Marco Rubio said Washington’s response would be “big, fast, and effective.”

The United Nations has also pledged support, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing deep sadness over the disaster. UN aid chief Tom Fletcher said the scale of destruction would require “massive collective efforts” to support recovery.

Tremors were also felt in neighboring Colombia and parts of Brazil, where residents evacuated buildings as a precaution. In Caracas, many residents spent the night sleeping outdoors or inside vehicles amid fears of further aftershocks, as families anxiously waited for news of missing loved ones.