Venezuela earthquakes: Thousands feared dead, widespread devastation (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

Nationwide emergency measures and large‑scale rescue efforts are underway after the South American nation was hit by back-to-back quakes

Thousands are feared dead after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern Caribbean coast, causing buildings to collapse and inflicting widespread destruction in Caracas and several other regions. Rescue teams are still searching through the rubble for survivors as aftershocks continue to shake the area.  

The first quake, measuring 7.2, was followed less than a minute later by a stronger 7.5 tremor, triggering a large‑scale emergency response. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter was located off Venezuela’s northern coast near the city of Moron. The quakes were felt across much of the country, as well as in neighboring Colombia and several Caribbean islands, with more than 20 aftershocks recorded so far.  

The Venezuelan government has declared a nationwide state of emergency, deploying the armed forces, civil defense units, and emergency services. Schools, public transport, and some airports have been temporarily closed, while power, water, and communications have been disrupted in several regions. Simon Bolivar International Airport remains shut due to damage, and metro and rail services in Caracas have been suspended.  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his deepest condolences to Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, over the disaster and said Moscow stands in solidarity with the “friendly Venezuelan people.” The Kremlin has indicated that Russia is ready to provide help if requested.  

China has also extended its condolences and said it is ready to assist, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun expressing confidence that, under the Caracas government’s leadership, the Venezuelan people will overcome the disaster and rebuild.  

Washington has offered assistance to Venezuela despite the tense political context, with US President Donald Trump previously boasting that America had “taken over” the country’s oil sector after the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro in January. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said American search‑and‑rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles have already been deployed and that more support may follow.  

The Venezuelan quakes came just hours before a separate 7.2‑magnitude earthquake hit Japan’s northern prefectures of Aomori and Iwate, injuring at least eight people, mainly due to falling objects, according to the country’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

The deadliest earthquake in Venezuela’s recent history struck in 1967, killing around 300 people and injuring some 1,600 in Caracas. Another earthquake in the country’s northeast in 1997 killed at least 81 people.