Powerful Earthquakes devastate Venezuela, death toll rises to 164. By Dally Iyamu 

Powerful Earthquakes devastate Venezuela, death toll rises to 164

By Dally Iyamu 

Venezuela has been thrown into mourning following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country in quick succession, leaving widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, and claiming at least 164 lives, with nearly 1,000 others injured.

The twin earthquakes, which rocked northern Venezuela, caused severe damage in the capital, Caracas, and other affected regions, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency as rescue operations intensified.

Fresh footage from the coastal state of La Guaira revealed scenes of devastation, with collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and emergency responders combing through rubble in search of survivors.

The region is among the hardest hit by the disaster, with critical infrastructure suffering extensive damage.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced the closure of the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas following structural damage caused by the tremors.

She also declared a nationwide state of emergency, pledging government support for affected communities.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable,” noting that the disaster is likely to have a widespread impact across the country.

As rescue efforts continued, authorities cautioned that the death toll could rise further as emergency teams gain access to more devastated areas and complete damage assessments.

International support has begun to pour in. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised a “big, fast, effective” American response to assist Venezuela in dealing with the unfolding humanitarian crisis.

Qatar also expressed solidarity with Venezuela.

In a telephone conversation with Acting President Rodriguez, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani conveyed condolences to the families of victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Humanitarian organisation Project HOPE described the earthquakes as “historic in magnitude,” warning that the full extent of the destruction remains unclear.

The charity said it was mobilising resources to assess urgent needs and support relief efforts amid Venezuela’s ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges.

Residents recounted terrifying experiences during the disaster. Maria Gonzales, a 52-year-old Caracas resident, said she feared for her life as her building shook violently.

“I thought the whole building was going to collapse,” she said.

“I grabbed onto the door and started praying, asking God to forgive me and to help us.

Then everything finally calmed down and I rushed out of the building as fast as I could.”

Emergency responders, supported by international aid agencies and rescue teams, remain on the ground as efforts continue to locate survivors and provide assistance to thousands displaced by the catastrophe.

Authorities say recovery operations could take weeks as the nation grapples with one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history.