Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela's northern coast less than 40 seconds apart on Wednesday afternoon, killing at least 235 people and reducing dozens of buildings to rubble. Officials warned the death toll was expected to rise significantly as rescue efforts continued.
Devastation along the coast
Aerial footage showed the scale of destruction, with entire blocks flattened and rescue workers digging through debris. The quakes triggered landslides and damaged infrastructure, leaving thousands homeless.
State of emergency declared
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro declared a state of emergency, mobilizing military and medical teams to the affected areas. “We are facing a tragedy of immense proportions,” he said in a televised address. International aid offers have begun to arrive.
Rescue and recovery efforts
Emergency crews are working around the clock to locate survivors. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and power outages hinder rescue operations. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
