Two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.5 and 7.2 struck 39 seconds apart in Venezuela's Yaracuy state. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquakes occurred 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare and 24 kilometers northeast of San Felipe.
According to USGS data, the depth of the 7.5 magnitude earthquake was measured at 10 kilometers, while the depth of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake was 21.9 kilometers. It was stated that the earthquake, initially announced as 7.1, was later updated.
Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced at a press conference that 164 people had died and 971 were injured in the earthquakes. Rodriguez said search and rescue efforts were ongoing and there was concern the death toll could rise.
Rodriguez stated that around 30 aftershocks were recorded after the earthquakes. She noted that buildings collapsed in the states of Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcon, particularly in the capital Caracas.
Following the devastating earthquakes, a state of emergency was declared in Venezuela. In this context, emergency mechanisms under the General Staff were activated, and Simon Bolivar International Airport was closed to flights. Schools were suspended, and all non-essential activities were halted.
Rodriguez emphasized that their priority was saving lives, saying, "This is a time for national unity. We must act together to save lives and maintain this solidarity."
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported that the earthquake was strongly felt in the states of Trujillo, Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua, Miranda, Caracas, and La Guaira. He said some buildings had collapsed in Caracas, the ceiling of the Maiquetia International Airport was damaged, and all flights had been canceled.
Messages of aid and condolences from the international community
US President Donald Trump conveyed his best wishes to the people of Venezuela on his social media account, stating that his country was ready to provide all kinds of assistance. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that, on Trump's orders, search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian supplies were being sent.
From Latin American countries, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele reported that 300 search and rescue personnel and doctors, along with 50 tons of equipment, were ready to depart for Caracas. Leaders of Chile, Mexico, and Brazil also shared messages of solidarity and offered aid.
From Asia, Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung, and leaders of the Philippines and Malaysia issued messages of condolence and support. Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that his country was ready to provide all kinds of support in search and rescue and relief operations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with many European leaders, also expressed their solidarity. Countries such as the UK, Spain, France, Italy, and Belgium sent messages of aid and condolence.
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope emphasized the critical importance of urgent international support.
