Tragedy: 32 Dead, Over 700 Injured, Thousands Displaced As 7.2 and 7.5 Magnitude Earthquakes Hit Again

At least 32 people have been confirmed dead and more than 700 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing widespread destruction across several regions and triggering panic among residents.

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit near the coastal town of Morón on Wednesday night, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The powerful tremors caused buildings to collapse, damaged critical infrastructure, and forced thousands of people to flee into the streets.

Speaking to the nation on Thursday morning, Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, confirmed the growing death toll and warned that rescue operations were still underway in several affected areas.

“So far, reports indicate 32 fatalities and more than 700 injuries,” Rodríguez said, noting that authorities were still assessing conditions in La Guaira, one of the regions believed to have suffered some of the most severe damage.

Emergency teams have continued searching through collapsed structures as fears grow that more victims may still be trapped beneath the rubble. Officials also reported that at least 20 aftershocks had followed the initial earthquakes.

Scenes of devastation were witnessed across Caracas, where several buildings suffered major structural damage. In the Altamira district, a 22-story building was reduced to rubble, prompting desperate rescue efforts as families searched for missing loved ones.

Volunteers and emergency workers climbed through debris while calling out for survivors. Some rescuers pleaded for flashlights and additional equipment as operations continued through the night.

Residents described terrifying moments as the earthquakes shook homes, offices, and shopping centers.

Odalis Escalona, a 54-year-old bank employee, said parts of her building began collapsing around her.

“The stairs broke away, walls cracked, and objects started falling from the ceiling. It was a frightening experience,” she said.

At a shopping mall in Caracas, panic spread quickly as shoppers and workers rushed toward emergency exits. Heidi Romero, a shop owner who was inside the building when the tremors struck, said people struggled to understand what was happening.

“It felt unreal. We had to leave through emergency stairways because everyone was trying to get out,” she recalled.

Authorities ordered residents to evacuate damaged structures as a safety measure. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said gas supplies had been shut off in several buildings to prevent potential explosions.

“We have buildings that suffered damage, and we want to avoid any accidents related to gas leaks,” Cabello explained.

The earthquakes also caused significant damage to Maiquetía International Airport near Caracas, forcing authorities to suspend operations. Images circulating online showed sections of the airport infrastructure damaged by the powerful tremors.

According to the USGS, the first earthquake struck at approximately 10:04 p.m. GMT, with its epicenter located about 21 kilometers west of Morón. Less than a minute later, a second and even stronger quake hit around 45 kilometers away.

USGS experts described the event as an earthquake doublet, explaining that the 7.5-magnitude quake occurred just 39 seconds after the initial 7.2-magnitude shock.

The earthquakes originated at relatively shallow depths of 22 kilometers and 10 kilometers, which contributed to the strong shaking felt across large parts of the country.

Several Venezuelan states, including Trujillo, Carabobo, Miranda, and La Guaira, were among the hardest hit regions.

The impact of the disaster extended beyond Venezuela’s borders. Tremors were felt in neighboring Colombia, including in the capital, Bogotá, where some buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

Colombia’s National Seismological Network reported receiving more than 200 reports from residents who felt the shaking. Officials warned that additional aftershocks could continue to be felt across the region.

Despite concerns following such a powerful seismic event, both Colombian authorities and the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no tsunami threat.

The disaster has drawn international attention, with U.S. President Donald Trump expressing condolences and offering assistance to Venezuela.

In a statement posted on social media, Trump described the earthquakes as devastating and said the United States was prepared to provide support if needed.

Venezuela has experienced major earthquakes in the past, including a deadly 1997 quake in the northeast that claimed 73 lives and a 1967 earthquake in Caracas that killed 236 people.

Rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities continue assessing the full scale of the destruction and searching for survivors in affected communities.