Widespread devastation has left thousands feared dead after a pair of powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon. The twin tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude respectively, reduced dozens of buildings to rubble in the La Guaira region, where coastal towns such as Catia La Mar and Caraballeda were particularly hard hit. In one tragic example, a large apartment block collapsed, trapping residents beneath its ruins.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed that US forces will assist search and rescue operations, prioritising the critical 72-hour window for finding survivors. The region's main international gateway, Simón Bolívar airport, was severely damaged, further complicating access to the worst-affected areas. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has declared La Guaira a "disaster zone", acknowledging the sheer scale of the tragedy.
The United Nations humanitarian agency, Ocha, has mobilised its personnel and resources, with its head, Tom Fletcher, stating that additional support will be provided in the coming days. The organisation reports that over 100 buildings have collapsed in La Guaira alone, including a seafront hotel. Missing persons include young children and elderly individuals, while entire families are feared to have been buried under the debris.
The earthquake's impact was felt as far away as Manaus, a city in northwestern Brazil over 1,000 miles distant, prompting residents to evacuate their homes. World leaders have expressed their condolences and pledged support, with French President Emmanuel Macron deploying an 85-strong team of specialised rescuers and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressing "great concern and dismay" for the Venezuelan people.