164 Killed in Devastating Venezuelan Earthquakes

Venezuela Struck by Major Quakes

According to Главком: Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit Venezuela on June 24, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. At least 164 people have died, and nearly 1,000 others have been injured. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez reported that dozens of buildings have collapsed, and emergency crews are working intensively to rescue survivors.

Impact and Emergency Response

The hardest-hit area is the state of La Guaira. Venezuelan authorities are deploying rescue teams to the region. The quakes struck in the evening, less than a minute apart, and damaged structures in the capital, Caracas. The city's airport sustained damage-one of its runways cracked-and remains closed.

The U.S. Geological Survey warned of a potential death toll exceeding 10,000 and possible mass casualties ranging from 10,000 to 100,000. Economic losses are estimated at 2% to 20% of the country's GDP. Venezuela's president has declared a state of emergency in response to the disaster.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington is sending aid to Venezuela. The State Department is deploying search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies, and humanitarian assistance.

“It will be large-scale, rapid, and effective,” Rubio emphasized.

He noted that although Caracas airport is damaged, the U.S. military can conduct landings in such conditions, which will be necessary given the emergency.

Entire buildings have collapsed in several Caracas neighborhoods. Local officials have reported damaged residential structures and have launched rescue operations. These earthquakes serve as a stark reminder that Venezuela sits in a seismically active zone, at the boundary between the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates.

This catastrophe highlights the severity of the situation in a nation already grappling with profound economic and social challenges. The state of emergency and incoming international aid underscore the urgent need for safety measures and support for victims. Venezuela has a history of seismic activity, which continues to threaten its infrastructure and people.