A Caracas resident described the scene as resembling a horror movie after two major earthquakes hit Venezuela. The powerful tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck within 39 seconds of each other just after 6 pm local time on Thursday. They damaged structures across the capital and prompted tsunami alerts in parts of the Caribbean.
These were the strongest quakes to affect the country in more than a century. The US Geological Survey estimated possible deaths between 10,000 and 100,000, though officials have not issued confirmed casualty numbers.
Dust filled the air in Caracas as residents searched rubble for missing people. One witness recounted climbing over debris amid thick smoke that obscured visibility. Crowds fled collapsing buildings and falling objects during the event, which included at least 20 aftershocks between 4.9 and 6.4 magnitude.
Many structures, roads, and highways suffered cracks or total collapse. Emergency teams worked to clear debris and locate survivors. Significant damage also occurred in the coastal state of La Guaira, where the main international airport was shut due to structural issues. Videos showed extensive harm to beachfront properties.
The interim president declared a state of emergency and offered condolences, while rescue operations continued through the night. Families waited anxiously for updates on those still trapped.
