Earthquakes in Venezuela Claim 32 Lives with Expected Increase in Death Count

Earthquake Tragedy in Venezuela

At least 32 fatalities and over 700 injuries have been reported following two powerful earthquakes that hit Venezuela on Wednesday, according to Delcy Rodríguez, the nation’s acting president. These figures are cited from national authorities.

The actual death toll might go much higher, with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) suggesting it could reach into the thousands, which is quite a leap from the latest numbers provided by the Venezuelan government.

In an emergency address early Thursday, Rodríguez shared this latest official count while also referencing reports about earthquakes from other parts of the globe.

There’s also a concern about casualties in La Guaira state, which has been labeled a “disaster area.” Rodríguez pointed out that this region experienced the most destruction, with numerous buildings collapsing and rescue operations ongoing to save lives.

“This is a true tragedy,” she expressed. “My condolences go out to the families who have lost loved ones in this very hard time.” She reinforced that La Guaira is facing catastrophic conditions.

The earthquakes struck a little after 6 PM local time, with a magnitude of 7.2 followed shortly by a 7.5 quake. The aftermath has resulted in significant devastation in Caracas and other cities, prompting the suspension of all educational activities and non-essential public services across the nation.

While the Venezuelan government reported 32 deaths by early Thursday, preliminary disaster models from the USGS indicate potential losses could be anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 lives. Reports from the USGS suggest widespread casualties and extensive damage are likely.

In response to the crisis, U.S. President Donald Trump has offered assistance. Rodríguez expressed gratitude towards Trump and his administration for their support and confirmed that U.S. rescue teams are expected to arrive in the coming hours. Additionally, rescue workers from the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, and Qatar are also on their way to help with the rescue efforts.