Strong Earthquakes Strike Venezuela: Dozens Dead, Buildings Collapse, and Warning of Aftershocks

SadaNews: At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured due to the two earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday night, according to the country's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez.

The United States Geological Survey estimated the magnitudes of the earthquakes at 7.2 and 7.5, making them among the strongest tremors recorded globally since the beginning of this year.

The second earthquake, the stronger one, struck at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers, raising concerns about significant damage and casualties.

The government declared a state of emergency, and Rodríguez announced the decision in a televised speech, describing the situation as a disaster with serious repercussions.

She added that authorities suspended classes, halted railway services, and closed the international airport in the capital, Caracas, due to the damage sustained.

Video footage showed several buildings collapsing in Caracas, while rescue teams continue their search for people who may be trapped under the rubble.

The United States, El Salvador, and other countries offered to provide assistance to Venezuela.

The U.S. State Department said it had formed a crisis management team and was coordinating with the Venezuelan government to send search and rescue teams, along with humanitarian and medical aid.

U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on the platform "Truth Social" that the United States is "ready and willing" to assist Venezuela following the earthquakes.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele also stated on "X" that 300 rescue personnel and medical staff, along with 50 tons of aid, are ready to head to Caracas.

Brazil and other countries also offered help, and Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced that specialized military teams for search and rescue would depart for Venezuela on Thursday morning.