Death Toll Rises to 164 After Devastating Twin Earthquakes Strike Venezuela

The death toll from the powerful twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to at least 164, while 971 people have been injured, according to interim President Delcy Rodríguez. Authorities fear the number of casualties could increase further as rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings and debris.

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck western Venezuela on Wednesday evening less than a minute apart. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said the first quake hit near San Felipe, followed shortly by a stronger tremor near Yumare, sending shockwaves across much of the country, including the capital, Caracas.

The disaster has caused widespread destruction, with numerous buildings collapsing in Caracas and surrounding regions. The hardest-hit area appears to be La Guaira state, where authorities have reported severe structural damage and ongoing rescue operations. A state of emergency has been declared as emergency responders work around the clock to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

USGS has warned that the final death toll could be significantly higher. Using predictive disaster models, the agency said fatalities could potentially reach into the thousands, with a substantial probability of exceeding 10,000 if damage assessments from the worst-affected areas confirm initial fears. The agency also warned of continued risks from aftershocks, landslides, and soil liquefaction.

Thousands of residents spent the night outdoors, fearing additional aftershocks. The tremors were felt beyond Venezuela's borders, including in neighboring Colombia. Major infrastructure, including transportation networks and public facilities, has suffered damage, complicating rescue and relief efforts.

Concerns are also growing over missing persons. Reports circulating on social media indicate that thousands of people have been listed as unaccounted for, although officials have yet to verify the exact number. Rescue workers continue to clear debris in search of survivors, raising hopes that more people may still be found alive.

The international community has begun mobilizing assistance for the disaster-stricken nation. Several countries and humanitarian organizations have offered emergency aid, medical supplies, and rescue teams to support Venezuela's recovery efforts.

The twin earthquakes are being described as one of the most powerful seismic events to hit Venezuela in more than a century. With rescue operations still underway and damage assessments continuing, authorities warn that the full scale of the disaster has yet to emerge.