Venezuela declares emergency after twin earthquakes hit Caribbean coast
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck the country’s Caribbean coast within seconds of each other, killing at least 32 people, injuring more than 700.
The twin tremors, measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 by the United States Geological Survey, triggered widespread disruption across the capital region and raised fears that the final death toll could climb much higher as rescue operations continue. USGS said the eventual number of fatalities could potentially reach between 10,000 and 100,000, depending on the extent of structural collapse and damage in affected areas.
Acting president Delcy Rodríguez announced the emergency measures after what officials described as a devastating seismic event that left dozens of buildings collapsed and turned La Guaira state into a disaster zone. The state is strategically important because it includes Maiquetia International Airport, Venezuela’s main air gateway serving Caracas.
Caracas airport shuts as transport network is disrupted
Across Caracas, the earthquakes disrupted much more than air travel. Rail services were suspended, schools were closed and public buildings that remained standing were being assessed for emergency use. Authorities said surviving school buildings could be turned into temporary shelters for residents who lost their homes in the quake-hit areas.
The transport disruption is likely to complicate both daily life in the capital and the movement of emergency crews, supplies and displaced residents in the coming days. With the airport closed and rail links halted, the pressure on roads and local infrastructure is expected to intensify as rescue and relief efforts expand.
Rare seismic doublet leaves authorities racing to assess damage
The two earthquakes struck just 39 seconds apart in what seismologists described as a seismic doublet, a rare phenomenon in which two large earthquakes hit the same area within seconds. That unusual sequence left little time for people on the ground to react before the second, stronger tremor followed the first.
Officials say the rapid back-to-back shocks caused extensive damage in parts of the capital region and along the Caribbean coast. Rodríguez said “dozens of buildings” had collapsed, while emergency teams continued to assess the condition of homes, schools, transport infrastructure and public facilities.
The rare nature of the seismic event has added to concerns about the stability of damaged structures and the possibility of further casualties being discovered as search teams move through affected areas. The latest official toll of 32 dead and more than 700 injured is expected to rise as emergency services reach the hardest-hit locations.
International aid support begins to take shape
The scale of the disaster has already prompted offers of international assistance. German defence minister Boris Pistorius said the Bundeswehr is ready to help Venezuela following the earthquakes and could provide up to six A400M military transport aircraft to carry rescue workers and equipment into the country.
According to Pistorius, the aircraft could also support transport missions inside Venezuela and assist partner organisations on the ground. Any outside support is likely to be critical if the damage proves as extensive as early warnings suggest, particularly with transport links disrupted and thousands of residents potentially in need of shelter and medical help.
