Two powerful earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela in the evening hours on Wednesday, less than a minute apart. First came a 7.2-magnitude foreshock around 6 pm local time, followed seconds later by a 7.5-magnitude mainshock. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenters were in the Yaracuy region. Initial reports indicate significant destruction across several states, including the capital, Caracas.
The earthquakes were felt across much of the country, including in Caracas, La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo, and neighboring countries. The earthquakes caused structural collapses and damage to homes and businesses in Caracas and several other Venezuelan states, with the most serious impact reported in La Guaira and Greater Caracas.
Hundreds have reportedly been killed or injured, while others remain trapped or missing. Acting President Delcy RodrĂguez confirmed that at least 164 people have died and nearly 1,000 have been injured. Thousands more are feared dead, but official information on casualties, displaced people, and infrastructure damage remains limited.
The earthquakes struck in the evening on a national holiday, when many people were at home or on their way home, raising concerns that individuals may be trapped beneath collapsed structures. Critical infrastructure has been damaged, disrupting basic services.
Venezuelan authorities have declared a state of emergency, suspended classes and non-essential activities, ordered preventive evacuations, activated search-and-rescue operations, and set up reception centers for those affected, as hospitals receive injured individuals.
Power, telecommunications, and transportation have been disrupted, and critical damage has been reported to essential health and transportation infrastructure, resulting in intermittent or completely disrupted public services in some areas.
The full impact on affected communities remains unclear, as damage assessments are preliminary and strong aftershocks pose additional risks to those communities and the teams responding. Rescuers are racing to find people trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings, and urban search and rescue teams from different countries are reportedly on the way.
On Thursday, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) issued a statement saying that the Venezuelan Red Cross is operational and responding. Its nationwide network of hospitals and polyclinics is active and continues to deliver medical care.
According to the IFRC, the National Society has activated rescue teams to support evacuation and search efforts, deployed four assessment teams overnight to carry out rapid evaluations in the worst-affected areas and mobilized prepositioned relief supplies.
Despite reporting critical damage to its National Headquarters, the Venezuelan Red Cross is accounting for the safety of its staff and volunteers, activating security protocols, and sharing earthquake safety guidance with communities — even as many of its volunteers respond to this emergency in their own neighborhoods.
The full humanitarian impact is still being assessed, but the most urgent anticipated needs include search and rescue operations, emergency shelters for families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed, and emergency health care, including trauma care and psychosocial support. Safe water, sanitation, and essential household items are also expected to be priorities in the hours and days ahead.
On Thursday, the United Nations confirmed that it is fully mobilized to support the people of Venezuela following the deadly and devastating earthquakes.
“I’m in constant contact with our team in Caracas, led by Humanitarian Coordinator Gianluca Rampolla, to ensure a swift and effective response,” said Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher in a statement.
“He has spoken this morning to the interim President and we are assessing urgently what is needed. Our team in Venezuela is working with the authorities to identify priorities.”
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is coordinating the rapid deployment of urban search and rescue teams from the international community through the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).
Fletcher emphasized that the coming days will require massive collective efforts to support the government-led response and assist impacted communities.
“Sustained international support for humanitarian organizations responding on the ground is essential and urgent,” he said.
Also on Thursday, the European Union confirmed that it is in contact with Venezuelan authorities and stands ready to support emergency response efforts. The EU is already working with partners to assess urgent humanitarian needs as more information becomes available.
The EU stated that it stands ready to mobilize assistance through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism if a request is received. To assist first responders, the Copernicus satellite system has been activated in emergency mapping mode.
Wednesday's devastating earthquakes come at a time when millions of Venezuelans already faced significant humanitarian needs. Even before these earthquakes, nearly 8 million people in Venezuela were in need of humanitarian assistance. This disaster risks exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.