Venezuela experienced its largest earthquake event in over a century on Wednesday, with a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed by a 7.5 magnitude quake just 40 seconds later. The quakes, centered near San Felipe and Yumare in Yaracuy state, and also near Moron, caused catastrophic damage across the country, particularly in coastal areas such as La Guaira and the capital, Caracas. At least 235 people have died, 4,300 are injured, and 157 are missing, with fears that the death toll could rise significantly as rescuers continue searching for survivors.
The widespread destruction includes approximately 250 collapsed or damaged buildings, with entire structures reduced to rubble in cities like Macuto and Catia La Mar. Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas was damaged and closed, and nationwide rail services and non-essential activities were temporarily canceled. Power outages and loss of cellphone coverage exacerbated the crisis, leaving families unable to contact loved ones.
In response to the disaster, Venezuela's interim government, led by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, declared a state of emergency and established a high-level task force. An initial reconstruction fund of $200 million has been allocated. International assistance is pouring in, with the U.S. deploying elite rescue teams, medical resources, and $150 million in aid. Other countries like Ecuador, Qatar, Mexico, El Salvador, and Argentina are also sending aid and rescue personnel to assist in the recovery efforts, which are complicated by Venezuela's ongoing economic and political turmoil.
