At Least 32 Dead, Over 700 Injured as Twin Earthquakes Hit Venezuela

At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing widespread destruction and prompting the government to declare a state of emergency.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, struck the same region of the country on Wednesday, causing buildings to collapse and forcing thousands of residents to flee into the streets.

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, confirmed the casualty figures, adding that authorities were still assessing the extent of damage in the worst-hit region of La Guaira.

She also disclosed that at least 20 aftershocks had been recorded following the initial earthquakes.

The disaster caused extensive damage in the capital, Caracas, where several buildings collapsed, including a 22-storey structure in the Altamira district. Rescue workers and volunteers continued searching through the rubble for survivors.

The country’s main airport, Maiquetía International Airport, was shut down after sustaining significant damage.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said gas supplies were cut to several buildings as a precautionary measure to prevent further accidents.

The tremors were also felt in neighbouring Colombia, including the capital, Bogotá, where residents evacuated buildings as a safety precaution.

United States President Donald Trump expressed sympathy for the victims and said the United States stood ready to assist Venezuela in its recovery efforts.

Emergency response teams remain on the ground as authorities continue rescue operations and assess the full extent of the damage caused by one of the deadliest natural disasters to hit Venezuela in recent years.