Over 900 Dead, Thousands Missing as Twin Earthquakes Devastate Venezuela in One of the Country's Worst Natural Disasters in a Century

The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening has surged past 900, with emergency crews continuing to search through mountains of rubble for survivors as the full scale of the catastrophe becomes clearer with each passing hour.

Two Earthquakes, Thirty-Nine Seconds Apart

The U.S. Geological Survey indicated that the epicentre of the initial earthquake was near San Felipe, roughly 100 miles west of Caracas, while the second and more powerful quake — measuring 7.5 in magnitude — struck just 39 seconds later near Yumare. "High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread," the USGS stated.

The earthquakes are among the most powerful to hit Venezuela in over a century, occurring shortly after 6:00 p.m. local time.

A "True Tragedy" in La Guaira

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who declared a state of emergency and announced the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas due to severe structural damage, described the coastal state of La Guaira, north of the capital, as a "true tragedy" and a "disaster zone." She announced early Thursday that over 971 individuals were injured, noting that those numbers did not account for potential casualties still being counted in La Guaira.

More than 6,600 people were reported missing in the immediate aftermath of the quakes, a figure expected to shift as communications are restored and displaced residents are located. The overall confirmed death toll has since risen beyond 900, placing the disaster among the deadliest in the country's modern history.

Rodríguez reported that 20 aftershocks had been recorded following the initial quakes, and she urged the public to act in national unity and with calm. "What I ask is that we act in national unity, with calm, and that we know that together we will overcome this tragedy," she said.

Buildings Collapsed, Schools Shut, Airport Closed

In Caracas, residents evacuated swaying buildings and remained outside, many in shock as they witnessed entire walls collapse, exposing furniture to the street. Dust clouds were visible in multiple neighbourhoods typically bustling with activity. In Falcón state, Governor Víctor Clark reported that rescuers were searching for 15 missing individuals amidst rubble and confirmed that 35 people in his area had been injured.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged caution, particularly for children and the elderly, warning that aftershocks could further jeopardise already damaged structures. Schools across the country have been shut, with some converted into temporary shelters for the displaced.

Eyewitness Accounts Paint a Picture of Horror

The human scale of the disaster came through in the accounts of those who survived it.

"The scene was like a horror movie," said one woman who escaped her building. "We had to climb over the rubble and everything." Caracas resident Roberto Damas described being tossed about in the street: "The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong. We were walking and it was tossing us around. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out."

Luis Colmenarez of aid organisation World Vision, who was watching a film with family when the earthquake struck, said the shaking lasted between two and three minutes — "It felt endless."

International Response Mobilises

The United States pledged immediate support, with President Trump announcing he had "instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends." Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the US was "immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance." China, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and numerous humanitarian organisations also pledged support.

World Vision announced the activation of its emergency response in Venezuela, while international rescue teams have arrived to assist crews working around the clock despite difficult conditions, damaged infrastructure, and ongoing aftershocks.

A Country Already Under Immense Pressure

Venezuela was already facing significant economic challenges before the disaster. The United Nations' humanitarian affairs agency had reported that nearly 8 million of the country's 28 million citizens were in need of assistance as of May. The earthquakes are expected to place enormous additional pressure on the country's already stretched emergency response and recovery capacity in the weeks and months ahead.

Caribbean Tremors Felt — Tsunami Advisory Lifted

The tremors were felt across much of Venezuela and in neighbouring Caribbean territories, including parts of the Eastern Caribbean. Brief tsunami advisories were issued for some Caribbean coastlines following the earthquakes, though those warnings were subsequently lifted. No ongoing tsunami threat remains.

CARICOM has expressed its condolences to the government and people of Venezuela as search-and-rescue operations continue in Caracas, La Guaira, and other affected areas, where workers with heavy equipment, drones, and search dogs continue the race to find survivors.