Venezuela is grappling with the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday, killing at least 32 people, injuring more than 700 others, and causing widespread destruction across several regions.

Authorities have launched large-scale rescue and recovery operations amid fears that the death toll could rise further as emergency crews continue searching collapsed buildings for survivors.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency following the disaster, describing the situation as one of the country's most serious natural catastrophes in recent years.

Twin Earthquakes Strike Within Seconds

According to the United States Geological Survey, the first earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.2, struck at 2204 GMT with an epicenter approximately 21 kilometers west of the coastal town of Morón.

Just 39 seconds later, a second and even stronger earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5 hit roughly 45 kilometers away, creating what seismologists described as a rare and powerful earthquake doublet.

The tremors occurred at relatively shallow depths of 22 kilometers and 10 kilometers, amplifying their destructive impact across northern Venezuela.

Capital Rocked by Panic and Destruction

The earthquakes triggered scenes of panic in the capital, Caracas, where residents rushed into the streets as buildings shook violently.

Several residential and commercial structures suffered severe damage, while emergency services responded to reports of collapsed buildings, trapped residents, and infrastructure failures.

Speaking in a national address early Thursday, Rodríguez confirmed that at least 32 people had died and more than 700 had been injured.

“At this time, we have received reports of 32 deaths and more than 700 injured,” she said, warning that casualty figures remain preliminary because authorities have not yet received complete assessments from some of the hardest-hit areas.

Officials believe the number of victims may increase as rescue teams reach remote communities and continue clearing debris in urban centers.

La Guaira Among Hardest-Hit Areas

Authorities identified the states of La Guaira, Miranda, Carabobo, and Trujillo as the regions suffering the most extensive damage.

La Guaira, located near Caracas and home to major transportation infrastructure, has emerged as one of the worst-affected areas. Emergency officials say communication difficulties and damaged roads have complicated efforts to assess the full extent of the destruction there.

Rescue workers, soldiers, firefighters, and volunteers spent the night searching through collapsed homes and damaged buildings in hopes of finding survivors.

Airport Closed as Infrastructure Suffers Heavy Damage

The country's principal air gateway, Maiquetía International Airport, was forced to suspend operations after sustaining significant structural damage.

Images circulating on social media showed cracked walls, collapsed ceilings, and damaged airport facilities. Aviation authorities have begun inspections to determine when the airport can safely reopen.

Several highways and local roads have also suffered damage, while power outages and disruptions to telecommunications services have been reported in multiple regions.

As a precaution, authorities temporarily shut off gas supplies to numerous buildings to prevent explosions and secondary disasters.

Aftershocks Raise Fears

Officials reported at least 20 aftershocks in the hours following the main earthquakes, raising concerns among residents and complicating rescue efforts.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged people living in damaged structures to remain outside until safety inspections are completed.

“We have some damaged structures and we do not want any accident involving gas or building collapse,” Cabello said.

Seismologists have warned that additional aftershocks remain possible in the coming days.

Tremors Felt Across the Region

The powerful earthquakes were felt far beyond Venezuela's borders. In neighboring Colombia, tremors were reported in numerous cities, including the capital, Bogotá.

Authorities in Colombia received more than 200 reports from residents who felt the shaking, prompting precautionary evacuations in some buildings.

Freddy Tovar said the seismic event's characteristics mean additional aftershocks could also be felt across Colombian territory.

Meanwhile, Colombia's disaster management agency ruled out the risk of a tsunami, easing concerns among coastal communities throughout the Caribbean region.

International Assistance Begins Arriving

As rescue efforts continue, several Latin American countries and international humanitarian organizations have reportedly offered assistance, including emergency medical teams, search-and-rescue specialists, and humanitarian aid supplies.

Government officials have announced the deployment of additional military units, emergency responders, and medical personnel to affected regions. Temporary shelters are also being established for families displaced by the earthquakes.

With thousands of residents still unable to return home and emergency crews racing against time to locate survivors, authorities have warned that the coming days will be critical in determining the full human and economic cost of one of Venezuela's most devastating natural disasters in recent memory. (ILKHA)