Thousands feared dead after back-to-back powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela

Authorities have confirmed at least 235 deaths but that number is expected to rise significantly as hundreds of buildings have collapsed

At least 235 people have been confirmed dead and 4,300 injured after two powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern Caribbean coast, causing widespread destruction in the capital, Caracas, and several other regions. Rescue teams are continuing to search through the rubble for survivors as aftershocks shake the affected areas.

The first quake, measuring magnitude 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 Morón. 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.

The Venezuelan government 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.

Simón Bolívar International Airport remains closed until at least Friday due to earthquake damage, while metro and rail services in Caracas have been suspended.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, and said Moscow stands in solidarity with the “friendly Venezuelan people.” The Kremlin said Russia is ready to provide assistance if requested.

China also extended condolences and said it is ready to assist, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun expressing confidence that the Venezuelan people will overcome the disaster and rebuild. Other countries and international organizations, including France, Germany, Türkiye, Iran, the Vatican, the UN and the World Bank, have also pledged assistance or expressed support for relief efforts.

The US also offered assistance despite a history of tensions. President Donald Trump previously boasted that America had “taken over” the country’s oil sector after the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro during a commando raid in January.

The Venezuelan quakes came just hours before a separate magnitude 7.2 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.