Powerful earthquakes devastate Venezuela
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Rescuers search for victims in a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, on Thursday. Photo: Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela about 100 miles west of Caracas on Wednesday, killing at least 164 people, injuring 971 others and causing widespread damage.
The big picture: The U.S. Geological Survey issued its highest-level alert, signaling the back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes were expected to cause extensive casualties and severe economic damage.
- The first earthquake struck near Morón on Venezuela's Caribbean coast at a depth of 13.6 miles. The second quake struck seconds later in the same area at a depth of 6.2 miles.
- Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez thanked President Trump after he offered assistance in a Truth Social post.
State of play: Rodríguez said Thursday that at least 164 people had been killed and 971 were injured in the quakes, according to the AP. Officials said they expected the death toll to rise.
- Officials reported buildings were destroyed or extensively damaged across Caracas and in several Venezuelan states.
- Rodríguez said on social media that a state of emergency had been declared and she urged "all citizens to remain alert, safe, and as calm as possible."
What we're watching: As search and rescue efforts continued into Thursday, U.S. officials had already "mobilized a disaster assistance team and task force to deliver and coordinate critical assistance to the Venezuelan people," according to Jeremy Lewin, under secretary for foreign assistance at the State Department.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X early Thursday that the U.S. was "immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela."
Editor's note: This story has been updated with new figures and additional details throughout.
