CARACAS — The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela rose to at least 164 on Thursday as rescue teams continued searching for survivors in collapsed buildings across Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira, according to Venezuelan authorities.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said at a briefing that at least 164 people had been confirmed dead and more than 900 injured following the back-to-back earthquakes, which measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Authorities said the toll could rise further as emergency crews reached damaged areas and searched through debris.
The earthquakes struck Wednesday evening less than a minute apart, causing widespread damage in Caracas and surrounding regions. Dozens of buildings collapsed or suffered severe structural damage, while roads, utilities and transportation infrastructure were disrupted, officials said. Maiquetía International Airport near Caracas was closed following damage assessments, and authorities suspended classes and some public services in affected areas.
Rescue workers, firefighters, police officers and military personnel worked through the night to locate survivors trapped beneath rubble. Emergency operations were concentrated in La Guaira, which authorities declared a disaster zone after sustaining some of the heaviest damage.
“Dozens of buildings have collapsed and we are engaged in the arduous task of rescuing the lives that God allows us to save,” Rodríguez said in remarks carried by local and international media. She described La Guaira as facing “a true tragedy” following the earthquakes.
The Venezuelan Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations mobilized emergency assistance, while governments across Latin America and beyond offered support. According to official statements, several countries pledged rescue teams, medical supplies and humanitarian aid. The United Nations also called for measures to facilitate emergency communications and relief efforts.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquakes were among the most powerful to affect Venezuela in more than a century. Aftershocks continued on Thursday, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain cautious and avoid damaged structures while inspections were conducted.
Hospitals in the capital and neighboring states remained under pressure as medical teams treated the injured. Authorities said power outages and transportation disruptions complicated rescue operations in some locations, though emergency responders continued working around the clock.
As of Thursday evening, search-and-rescue operations remained underway in several affected communities. Officials said the number of missing people was still being verified, and the full extent of the damage remained unclear.
