Rescue teams search for survivors as widespread destruction overwhelms emergency services in Caracas and surrounding regions
A devastating Venezuela Earthquake has left hundreds dead, thousands homeless and many people missing after two powerful earthquakes struck areas in and around Caracas, triggering a large-scale humanitarian response.
According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck about 160 kilometres west of Caracas on Wednesday evening. Less than a minute later, a stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit the same region, making it the country’s most powerful seismic event since 1900.
The twin earthquakes caused extensive damage across Venezuela, where years of economic hardship have weakened infrastructure and complicated rescue operations. Repeated aftershocks have continued to hamper emergency efforts.
Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said medical centres had received approximately 235 bodies by late Thursday, although officials warned that the death toll was expected to rise.
Jorge Rodríguez said around 200 people remained trapped beneath collapsed structures, while at least 250 buildings had been damaged or destroyed. Authorities reported severe damage to several hospitals, the headquarters of the Venezuelan Red Cross and the French Embassy.
The neighbouring coastal state of La Guaira was among the worst-affected areas. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said nearly 70,000 families had been impacted.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez described La Guaira as a “disaster zone” and said the government was working with private companies to deploy heavy machinery and accelerate rescue operations.
Emergency workers and volunteers continued searching through collapsed buildings overnight, while many residents reported delays in receiving official assistance. Survivors described scenes of devastation as families searched for missing relatives with limited equipment.
A public database created to trace missing people listed more than 46,000 individuals as unaccounted for, although those figures have not been independently verified.
The US Geological Survey’s predictive models indicate there is a significant probability that the final death toll could reach several thousand as rescue operations continue.
International support has begun arriving from several countries. US President Donald Trump pledged American assistance, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that rescue teams and logistical support would be deployed. Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed support for relief efforts.
The United Nations is coordinating international rescue teams, while humanitarian agencies have called for expanded assistance to meet urgent needs. Meanwhile, SpaceX announced that its Starlink satellite internet service would be provided free of charge in affected areas until July 25 to help restore communications.
Despite widespread destruction, officials said Venezuela’s oil infrastructure has largely escaped major damage, allowing energy operations to continue.
