Rescuers are racing against time to dig through the rubble of collapsed buildings in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck within 39 seconds of each other on Wednesday afternoon, killing at least 235 people and leaving an estimated 40,000 missing. The first 7.2-magnitude tremor hit west of Moron on the Caribbean coast at about 6pm local time, followed by a 7.5-magnitude quake – the strongest to hit the country since 1900 – with its epicentre just 10 miles south-west of Moron. Both were shallow, at depths of 20.3km and 10km respectively, causing widespread devastation.
Scenes of chaos unfolded as buildings collapsed across the capital Caracas and the coastal region near La Guaira, where a 10-storey hotel was reduced to rubble. The Simón Bolívar international airport was badly damaged, forcing its closure. Acting president Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and designated the La Guaira area a disaster zone. “This is an utter tragedy,” she said in a televised broadcast.
“At least 235 dead, 4,300 injured and 40,000 missing after twin earthquakes hit Venezuela.”
The US Geological Survey has warned of a 44% probability that the death toll could exceed 10,000. Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said on Thursday that “approximately 235 patients arrived without vital signs or died upon arrival at our health facilities,” and at least 4,300 people have been injured, many requiring surgery. An unofficial website reported nearly 40,000 people missing.
“People are afraid to go home,” an independent journalist said, with many sleeping in parks and squares fearing further collapses. Juan Ortiz, a medical student in Caracas, said one close friend was confirmed dead, another was believed to be under rubble, and about 20 people he knew in the coastal area were missing. “I'm in shock and confusion, and frustrated that I can't help,” he told the BBC.
International aid has begun to arrive. US secretary of state Marco Rubio said the defence department would send transport ships and aircraft to support search and rescue teams, and pledged $150m in aid. “In search and rescue you are trying to get to people while you can still save their lives – they are buried under rubble,” he said, stressing the critical next 72 “golden” hours. The head of the UN’s humanitarian agency, Tom Fletcher, said: “We will surge in people, we will surge in solidarity and, most important, we will surge in search and rescue support.” Pope Leo sent an initial €100,000 emergency donation.
Meanwhile, rescuers continue to search through the debris. In the Caracas neighbourhood of Chacao, Mayor Gustavo Duque said 11 people had died in one ruined building and 23 had been rescued. As night falls, thousands remain unaccounted for, the aftershocks still rattling the city.