Twin earthquakes kill 164 in Venezuela, nearly 1,000 injured as rescue efforts intensify

At least 164 people have died and 971 others have been injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other, causing widespread destruction across several regions and prompting the government to declare a state of emergency.

According to authorities, the first earthquake measured 7.2 magnitudefollowed shortly by a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake. The tremors struck an area west of Caracas and were felt across much of Venezuela as well as parts of neighboring Colombia.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced emergency measures following the disaster and said rescue operations were underway in multiple affected areas. Emergency response teams, firefighters, military personnel and medical workers have been deployed to search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Key Takeaways

• Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela.
• At least 164 people were killed and 971 injured.
• Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency.
• Several buildings collapsed in Caracas and other regions.
• Rescue teams are searching for survivors trapped under rubble.
• Simón Bolívar International Airport was closed due to damage.
• Power and communication disruptions were reported.
• Emergency shelters have been opened for displaced residents.
• The earthquakes were felt across Venezuela and parts of Colombia.
• Authorities warned of possible aftershocks.

Buildings Collapse Across Caracas

The earthquakes caused severe damage in the capital Caracas, where several residential and commercial buildings reportedly collapsed. Rescue crews continued working through the rubble on Thursday as authorities warned that the casualty toll could rise further.

Roads, bridges and public infrastructure were also damaged in several regions. Power outages and communication disruptions were reported in parts of the country as emergency teams worked to restore essential services.

Officials urged residents to remain cautious and follow safety instructions amid continuing aftershocks.

Airport Closed Following Damage

Venezuela’s main international gateway, Simón Bolívar International Airportwas temporarily closed after sustaining damage during the earthquakes.

Authorities suspended some transportation services while engineers assessed the safety of airport facilities, highways and public buildings. Schools and government offices in several affected regions were also closed as a precautionary measure.

Rescue Operations Continue

Search-and-rescue operations remain focused on collapsed residential complexes and damaged public buildings. Emergency shelters have been established to accommodate displaced residents. Government agencies are coordinating with local authorities to deliver food, water, medical supplies and temporary accommodation to affected communities. Officials have appealed for calm while disaster-response teams continue assessments of the full extent of the damage.

Seismically Active Region

According to seismic experts, the earthquakes occurred near the boundary between the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plateone of the most active seismic zones in the region. Scientists said the larger earthquake resulted from shallow strike-slip faulting, a type of movement that can generate strong ground shaking over a wide area. Authorities have warned that additional aftershocks remain possible and urged residents to stay alert as emergency operations continue across the country.

The disaster is among the deadliest natural calamities reported in Latin America in 2026 and has triggered a nationwide emergency response.