At least 164 people were killed and 971 injured when two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela Wednesday evening, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed early Thursday. The toll is expected to rise as rescue crews search rubble and reach isolated areas.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the temblors measured magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5. The quakes, centered near Montalbán, were the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century. La Guaira state, on the northern coast, suffered the heaviest damage.
Dozens of buildings collapsed in Caracas and other communities. The Simón Bolívar International Airport closed due to damage. Private and public schools were canceled as some buildings were converted into shelters.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S., at President Trump’s direction, is deploying search teams, medical resources, and humanitarian aid. Rubio spoke with Rodríguez, who confirmed the assistance. Offers of help also came from Argentina, Brazil, China, Mexico, and other nations.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported alarming situations in Caracas’ Altamira neighborhood. Thousands remained outdoors for hours amid aftershocks and widespread power and cellphone outages.
Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and urged medical personnel to report to hospitals. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System briefly issued advisories for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands but later canceled them.
Many families abroad struggled to reach loved ones due to disrupted communications, deepening the distress among the Venezuelan diaspora.