DEADLY EARTHQUAKE FEARS IN VENEZUELA: Strongest Quakes In Over A Century Spark Warnings Of A Catastrophic Toll… 👇👇
Venezuela was struck by its strongest earthquakes in more than a century on Wednesday afternoon, leaving widespread destruction in the capital Caracas and raising fears of a major casualty toll.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit roughly 100 miles west of Caracas, followed just one minute later by a stronger 7.5 magnitude tremor.
The USGS warned that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable” and said the disaster was likely widespread. Early estimates suggested the death toll could range from 10,000 to as many as 100,000 people, though Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez said early Thursday that 32 people had been confirmed dead and around 700 others injured.
Chaotic footage shared on social media showed terrified residents rushing for safety as buildings shook, ceiling panels collapsed, and sparks reportedly flew inside Maiquetia International Airport.
Other videos showed baseball players and spectators running onto the field during a game in Caracas as the quake shook stadium seats and power lines.
Emergency crews worked through the evening, climbing over collapsed buildings and searching through rubble as residents desperately looked for missing loved ones. Several structures in Caracas and nearby areas appeared heavily damaged or destroyed, with furniture and debris spilling into the streets.
The earthquakes struck as many Venezuelans were at home marking Battle of Carabobo Day, a public holiday commemorating the 1821 victory that helped secure Venezuela’s independence from Spain.
“As soon as it started, we began hearing people screaming,” Caracas resident Astrid Ramirez told Reuters. “Everyone was running down the stairs.”
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the earthquake affected several states and urged people to remain cautious, especially around children and the elderly, while authorities activated rescue and aid protocols.
President Trump later posted on Truth Social that the United States was “ready, willing, and able to help” Venezuela with recovery efforts, saying he had instructed U.S. agencies to prepare to respond quickly.
Rodriguez thanked Trump and the United States for their support, saying Venezuela would not forget the help extended during such difficult hours.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System briefly issued a tsunami threat for Puerto Rico and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands after the quakes, but the warning was withdrawn about an hour later.
The earthquakes are now being described as among the most powerful to hit Venezuela in over 100 years.
