New Delhi: Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after twin earthquakes struck the country, killing at least 32 people and injuring around 700 others, while triggering an international humanitarian response amid fears that the casualty toll could rise further.
The back-to-back tremors caused extensive damage in the capital, where several buildings collapsed, forcing authorities to shut down the country’s main airport as rescue teams scrambled to search for survivors trapped under debris.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez said emergency services were continuing rescue operations and that assistance teams from several countries were expected to arrive in the coming hours. She also acknowledged offers of support from foreign governments, including the US.
The disaster has prompted a swift international response. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was deploying search-and-rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian aid to support recovery efforts. Separately, US President Donald Trump described the initial reports from Venezuela as deeply concerning and indicated that Washington was prepared to assist the country.
Support has also come from across Latin America. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people. At the same time, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced the immediate dispatch of humanitarian assistance, saying emergency relief efforts should transcend political differences.
Meanwhile, exiled Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado urged national unity and solidarity as the country grapples with the disaster’s aftermath, according to theguardian.com.
The earthquakes were also felt across neighbouring Colombia, highlighting the scale of the seismic event. Although Venezuela lies near several geological fault lines, major earthquakes remain relatively uncommon compared with countries along the Pacific Ring of Fire, such as Mexico and Chile, where seismic activity is more frequent.
The disaster has further complicated communication challenges in Venezuela, with mobile phone outages reported in several regions. The disruptions have heightened anxiety among families trying to contact loved ones, including millions of Venezuelans living abroad.
Despite widespread destruction, there were no immediate reports of major damage to Venezuela’s oil sector, a critical pillar of the country’s economy. Authorities near the oil-producing region around Lake Maracaibo reported no injuries linked to energy infrastructure, while energy firms began assessing facilities and accounting for employees. However, industry sources warned that prolonged power outages could affect crude oil production if electricity supplies are not restored quickly.
Rescue operations are continuing across affected areas as authorities work to assess the full extent of the damage and determine whether the death toll will rise in the coming days.
