Two powerful earthquakes have struck Venezuela within about a minute of each other, causing buildings to collapse and widespread damage in and around Caracas. The rare back-to-back tremors, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, rank among the strongest quakes to hit the country in more than a century. US, India and China have pledged to assist the stricken country. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.
China says ready to provide all possible help to Venezuela
China says it is ready to send “what help it can” to Venezuela after the back-to-back quakes.
“China is willing to provide what help it can in an appropriate manner according to the needs of the Venezuelan side,” foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a news briefing.
“As of now, there have been no reports of casualties among Chinese citizens,” he added.
‘The force was incredibly strong’
The lack of cellphone signal in parts of Venezuela has deepened the distress of many families, particularly those among the more than 7.7 million people who have left the country during its protracted crisis
In Caracas, people remained on the streets for hours, some sitting on the ground hugging pets as dust gathered around them.
“It started off gently and then gradually grew, and in the end, we all had to leave our houses, go outside and gather together,” said Hector Ricci, a resident of the Venezuelan capital.
Roberto Gamas, another Caracas resident, said the building he was in “really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong.”Â
Caracas airport, subway and schools closed
The back-to-back earthquakes have damaged and closed Simon Bolivar International Airport near Caracas, the country’s main hub.
The country’s interim leader said subway and natural gas services in Caracas have been interrupted, urging Venezuelans to report any damages through a government app.
Delcy Rodriguez said school classes would be canceled for several days. The Ministry of Education said some school buildings would be used as shelters and donation centers.
“We urge our population to remain calm,” said Rodriguez, who asked health care professionals to report to hospitals to assist the injured. “We urge unity.”
Spain’s Sanchez offers support, emergency aid
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has offered his support to Venezuela, with Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares adding that Spain is ready to supply any emergency aid required.
“Spain and myself offer our full support to the Venezuelan people following tonight’s devastating earthquakes,” Sanchez posted on X. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families”.
How powerful were the quakes?
The US Geological Survey initially said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, later revising that to 7.2.
Its epicenter was west of Moron on the country’s Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometers (104 miles) west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 22 kilometers (13.6 miles).
The USGS reported an even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake just a minute later. The second quake had a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) with an epicenter 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Moron.
US ‘immediately deploying’ rescuers to Venezuela after quakes
The United States is “immediately deploying” rescuers and aid to Venezuela, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said.
“America stands with the Venezuelan people during this difficult time and at the direction of President Trump, the State Department is immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela,” Rubio wrote on X.
What do we know about casualties?
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said the quake killed at least 32 people and injured at least 700, though warning that the toll was expected to rise as rescue workers reach collapsed buildings in the Caracas region and other areas hit by the quakes.
Rodriguez said casualty figures excluded the state of La Guaira, which she described as a “disaster zone” and the area hardest hit.Â
Powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, collapsing building in and around Caracas and leaving at least 32 people dead and hundreds more injured.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez warned the toll was expected to rise as emergency crews reach devastated areas after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck shortly after 6 pm local time.
Rodriguez declared a state of emergency in an address to the nation and said the quakes caused damage in several states.
