Two powerful earthquakesâmagnitudes 7.2 and 7.5âstruck near Yumare in Venezuela within seconds of each other, triggering severe damage across Caracas, La Guaira and several states, with at least 164 dead and hundreds injured. The second quake caused the most destruction, collapsing buildings and prompting the closure of the main international airport. Depths of 20.3 km and 10 km amplified surface damage and casualty risks, amid Venezuelaâs location along the CaribbeanâSouth American plate boundary. Authorities warn of high casualty potential, while rescue efforts continue as the country assesses widespread infrastructure damage and prospects for the near term.
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The first quake registered magnitude 7.2 at 18:04 local time (22:04 GMT), located 23 km southeast of Yumare, west of Caracas.
Just 38 seconds later, a second quake of magnitude 7.5 struck in a similar area, intensifying shaking and destruction.
Shakingenvironments in Caracas and La Guaira saw extensive damage, with some buildings collapsed or reduced to rubble, including a verified 10-storey hotel collapse in La Guaira.
The interior ministry confirmed impacts across Trujillo, Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua and Miranda states, highlighting widespread disruption.
Caracasâ main international airport was closed due to serious damage, with footage showing dust and debris from the terminal ceiling.
USGS data indicated an unusually shallow depth for the second quake (about 10 km) compared with the first (about 20.3 km), increasing surface impact.
USGS projected a 44% probability of more than 10,000 deaths, underscoring the severity and the urgent need for ongoing rescue and relief efforts.