Twin earthquakes devastate Venezuela, leaving 164 dead and triggering international aid response

Venezuela has been devastated by the strongest earthquake sequence recorded in the country in more than a century,

Venezuela has been devastated by the strongest earthquake sequence recorded in the country in more than a century, after two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck within a short period of time. The twin tremors caused widespread destruction across the nation, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 others injured, according to preliminary reports.

The earthquakes triggered panic in several cities, with the capital, Caracas, among the hardest-hit areas. Buildings collapsed, roads suffered damage, and critical infrastructure was severely affected. Rescue teams, emergency responders, and volunteers have been working around the clock to search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

In response to the disaster, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency. Authorities also announced the temporary closure of Simon Bolívar International Airport in Caracas after the facility sustained structural damage during the quakes. Officials are currently assessing the extent of the destruction and determining when operations can safely resume.

The humanitarian impact of the disaster has prompted urgent calls for international assistance. Amy Pope, head of the United Nations migration agency, expressed concern over the situation and emphasized the need for a rapid global response. In a statement, she described the news from Venezuela as heartbreaking, noting that lives had been lost, many people injured, and entire communities affected by the twin earthquakes.

Pope said the United Nations is mobilizing resources to evaluate the needs of thousands of people impacted by the disaster. She stressed that swift international support would be essential in helping Venezuelan authorities provide emergency relief, shelter, medical care, and recovery assistance to affected populations.

The United States has also pledged support. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. government stands ready to assist Venezuela during the crisis. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had directed federal agencies to prepare for a rapid response effort if needed. He added that the United States was willing to provide help to those affected by the disaster and expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people.

Meanwhile, scenes of desperation have unfolded across Caracas, particularly in the Altamira district, where rescue workers, medical personnel, and families of missing individuals have gathered in hopes of finding survivors. Emergency crews continue to remove debris from collapsed structures, though only a limited number of victims have been rescued so far.

The economic impact has also been immediate. The Caracas Stock Exchange announced the suspension of trading activities following the earthquakes, citing safety concerns and disruptions caused by the disaster. Financial authorities are monitoring the situation as assessments of economic losses continue.

To support recovery efforts, Acting President Rodríguez announced the creation of an initial reconstruction fund worth $200 million. The funding, sourced through international financial resources, will be directed toward rebuilding damaged infrastructure, hospitals, public services, and residential housing.

Authorities have reported approximately 30 aftershocks since the initial earthquakes struck, raising concerns about further damage and complicating rescue operations. Experts have described the 7.5-magnitude earthquake as the most powerful to affect Venezuela since October 1900, when a 7.7-magnitude offshore earthquake shook the region.

As search-and-rescue efforts continue, international aid organizations and governments are coordinating relief operations to assist Venezuela in coping with one of the most destructive natural disasters in its modern history.