Rescuers in Venezuela used power tools to dig through rubble after twin earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck the country on Wednesday evening, killing at least 188 people and injuring around 1,500, according to Jorge Rodriguez, President of Venezuela's National Assembly. The US Geological Survey (USGS) estimated a 44% chance that the death toll could exceed 10,000 and a 30% chance it could surpass 100,000.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said authorities were shifting rescue teams from other parts of the country to La Guaira, the hardest-hit coastal state north of Caracas, described as a "disaster zone." She stated: "Dozens of buildings have collapsed there ... and we are currently carrying out intensive rescue operations to save lives." TV footage showed three children, covered in dust but alive, being pulled from the rubble in La Guaira.
Panic and Destruction
In the capital Caracas, panicked residents poured into the streets as buildings swayed. Many searched for missing loved ones among collapsed structures and toppled electric poles. Mother-of-three Dayana Delgado said: "I want to know where my child is, if he's trapped or in a shelter." Maria Cristina Diaz, a 41-year-old janitor, recalled: "It was awful. We cried, we screamed. Thankfully, we're alive."
Airport and Infrastructure Damage
Simon Bolivar International Airport was damaged and closed, while parts of Caracas lost power and mobile coverage. Subway services were suspended and natural gas shut off. The USGS reported the first quake (7.2 magnitude) struck west of Moron on the Caribbean coast at a depth of 14 miles, followed by a second 7.5 magnitude quake six miles deep, 10 miles southwest of Moron.
International Response
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate deployment of search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance, saying: "We will have a whole government response. It will be big. It will be fast. It will be effective." Acting President Rodriguez thanked US President Donald Trump. Tom Fletcher, head of the UN's humanitarian agency, said: "To those whose loved ones are currently under the rubble, know that we are going to do our best to make sure that help gets to you." Save the Children's country director Fatima Andraca noted: "Children will need urgent support to access shelter, food, water and healthcare now."
British Nationals
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "My thoughts are with those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. We are working with partners to assess the needs and help with the global response. British nationals should follow local authority advice and check FCDO travel advice pages for latest info." The UK government estimated about 500 Brits were in Venezuela as of December.
