Venezuela is reeling after two powerful earthquakes struck within hours of each other, leaving at least 164 people dead and hundreds more injured. The back-to-back tremors caused widespread destruction across several regions, damaging homes, public buildings and critical infrastructure while triggering panic among residents.
The strongest quake, measuring around magnitude 7, was felt across large parts of the country, including the capital Caracas. Buildings shook violently, roads cracked and power outages were reported in several areas. Emergency services were quickly deployed as reports of collapsed structures and trapped residents emerged from affected communities.
Authorities said search-and-rescue teams have been working around the clock to locate survivors buried under rubble. Hospitals in the hardest-hit areas have been overwhelmed with injured people, while temporary shelters have been set up for families forced to flee damaged homes.
The disaster has left countless families grieving. Many residents spent the night outdoors, fearful of aftershocks and uncertain whether their homes remained safe. Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and heartbreak as neighbours joined rescue efforts and searched for missing relatives.
Government officials have declared emergency measures in affected regions and appealed for national unity as recovery efforts continue. Relief agencies are distributing food, water and medical supplies to communities cut off by damaged roads and disrupted communications.
Seismologists warned that aftershocks could continue in the coming days, prompting authorities to urge caution and avoid unsafe structures. Engineers have also begun assessing damage to schools, hospitals and transport networks to determine the scale of reconstruction needed.
The earthquakes are among the deadliest natural disasters to strike Venezuela in recent years, raising concerns about the country’s preparedness for major seismic events. Experts say the full economic and human impact may take weeks to assess as rescue operations continue.
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