Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, leaving at least 32 people dead and more than 700 injured, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced. She warned that the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue in the worst-hit areas.
Rescue efforts underway
In a post on social media platform X, Rodriguez stated that authorities have "a central and essential goal: to save lives" and appealed for calm. After an emergency meeting of the National Risk Management System and Civil Protection System, she confirmed that rescue teams are focused on searching for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings and homes.
"We have a central and essential objective: to save lives. Our work, as authorities of the national emergency system and the civil protection system, is to rescue those people who are trapped under buildings or homes that have collapsed," Rodriguez said.
La Guaira worst affected
The coastal state of La Guaira was hit hardest by the disaster, with dozens of buildings collapsed, effectively turning the region into a disaster zone. Rodriguez described the destruction as a "real tragedy" and extended condolences to families who lost loved ones.
"I must report that the state most affected by this unprecedented seismic phenomenon is La Guaira state. There are dozens of collapsed buildings, and we are currently in very arduous rescue efforts to save whatever lives God allows us to save," she said. "We can say that La Guaira state is a true tragedy and has become a disaster zone."
International aid arriving
Venezuela is receiving international assistance, with rescue teams expected to arrive in the coming hours and days. Rodriguez thanked US President Donald Trump and his administration for maintaining contact and offering support. Rescue brigades are also arriving from the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, and Qatar. Offers of humanitarian aid have been received from China, while Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and several Caribbean nations have pledged support.
Casualty figures and government response
Providing the latest casualty figures, Rodriguez said: "At this time we have reports of 32 deaths, not yet counting the figures that La Guaira state may yield, and more than 700 injured who we have been receiving in emergency departments at both public hospitals and private health centres." The government has suspended classes and non-essential activities nationwide, while hotels and shelters have been opened for residents whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged.
"I ask you to act in national unity, with calm, and to know that together we will overcome this tragedy. A tragedy that today brings mourning to many Venezuelan families, but Venezuela is also receiving the love of the peoples of the world," she added.
