The Venezuelan government has declared a national state of emergency after experiencing two massive and consecutive earthquakes that have devastated the coastal area of La Guaira and violently shaken the capital, Caracas, as well as other states in the Caribbean country. According to the latest official report provided by the acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, at least 164 deaths and 971 injuries have been confirmed, although it is feared that these numbers will increase dramatically as rescue efforts progress.
It was 6:04 p.m. in Venezuelan territory (past midnight in Spain) when a first earthquake of intensity 7.2 and 13 kilometers deep, with its epicenter in Morón, unleashed terror among millions of citizens. Just a minute later, a second, even more violent tremor occurred, measuring 7.5 in magnitude and located only 10 kilometers below the surface. According to U.S. authorities, this is the most powerful seismic event recorded in Venezuela in the last century, surpassing even the destructive capacity of the earthquake that struck Caracas in 1967.
The coastal state of La Guaira is, so far, the most severely affected area. Initial reports confirm that dozens of buildings collapsed with their inhabitants inside during the tremors. The Maiquetía international airport has had to close its doors due to the magnitude of the damage to its facilities. Meanwhile, lists of missing persons compiled by civil organizations already total several hundred people, while emergency teams search for survivors among the rubble and under the threat of over 30 aftershocks recorded.
Acting president Delcy Rodríguez appeared escorted by Jorge Rodríguez and Diosdado Cabello to call for national unity: "Let us maintain unity to save lives, the first priority is to rescue lives." In her statement, Rodríguez made a "call to all citizens to remain vigilant, in shelter, and as calm as possible."
From abroad, the response has been immediate. Donald Trump used his social media to offer assistance: "The two major earthquakes that have just struck the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths. The U.S. is ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to prepare to act quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. The initial reports are not good!" The situation remains critical as the country tries to absorb the impact of a disaster that has inflicted deep wounds on its infrastructure and population.