Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela just 39 seconds apart near the town of Morón, causing catastrophic damage and leaving hundreds feared dead and thousands injured in the nation's largest seismic event in over a century.
Worst-Hit Areas
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed that the capital, Caracas, located about 100 miles east of the epicenter, and the northern coastal region suffered the most severe damage. “We send our immediate condolences to those who have lost relatives,” she said, as rescue operations intensified.
La Guaira
The coastal area surrounding Caracas's airport, a 45-minute drive northeast of the city, was heavily impacted. The airport itself sustained “severe damage,” with roof sections collapsing on fleeing travelers, prompting immediate closure. Rodríguez stated that rescue teams were being redirected from other regions to La Guaira. The area was also the site of a US-led raid on 3 January, when helicopters attempted to kidnap President Nicolás Maduro.
Catia La Mar
Just west of La Guaira, the seaside town of Catia La Mar saw a dozen or more large buildings collapse, including seafront hotels and residential condominiums. The Playa Grande neighborhood was particularly devastated. “Dozens of buildings have collapsed there … and we are currently carrying out intensive rescue operations to save lives,” Rodríguez reported.
Altamira and Los Palos Grandes
In central Caracas, the upscale neighborhoods of Altamira and Los Palos Grandes, home to foreign embassies and including a residence of Rodríguez's family, suffered multiple building collapses. A Guardian reporter observed at least three collapsed structures in Altamira, with some people trapped under rubble. One person was seen weeping and calling for his grandmother, feared inside. The JW Marriott hotel, serving as the unofficial US embassy since January's military intervention, was badly shaken, with social media footage showing guests fleeing as the outdoor restaurant rattled.
Casualties and Response
In the Baruta district of Caracas, three people were killed after two buildings collapsed, according to the district mayor. The mayor of Chacao district reported one death, four building collapses, and 22 hospitalizations. Metro and train systems were halted across the capital. Rodríguez emphasized that rescue efforts were ongoing, with volunteers and emergency workers searching for survivors.
Other Affected Regions
The epicenter was located in the countryside near the coastal town of Morón in Carabobo state. In Naguanagua, building walls collapsed, and in Valencia, the state capital, residents gathered outside damaged structures. The full extent of the destruction is still being assessed as rescue operations continue.
