Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 589
At least 589 people are dead and nearly 3,000 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s coast on Wednesday evening, flattening buildings in the capital and sending residents running into the streets.
The disaster struck in seconds. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit first, followed just moments later by an even stronger 7.5 magnitude quake. Rescue crews have been working around the clock in a race to find survivors.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said “intensive search-and-rescue” operations remain underway, with authorities warning that the death toll is expected to rise as emergency teams reach communities still cut off.
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Among the dead are at least 18 foreign nationals, including citizens of Portugal, Spain, Brazil, China, and Chile.
Confusion remains over the number of injured, with Venezuela’s health minister reporting more than 4,300 injuries on Thursday, while Rodríguez gave a lower figure of 2,980 on Friday.
Mexico, Chile, and El Salvador are dispatching emergency teams and medical supplies. The United States has begun deploying military assets, repositioning two Navy ships closer to Venezuela and sending transport aircraft and helicopters to assist with search‑and‑rescue, assess damage, and deliver emergency supplies.
Belize Prime Minister John Briceño expressed condolences in a social media post, saying he extended “deepest sympathies” to the people and Government of Venezuela. He added that moments like these remind nations that “our shared humanity is stronger than any challenge nature may bring.”
CARICOM also issued a statement expressing “deep condolences” over the loss of life, rising injuries and widespread damage caused by the earthquakes. The regional body said it stands in solidarity with Venezuela during what it described as a period of “immense grief” and commended emergency personnel and citizens working under difficult conditions to rescue survivors and provide assistance.
The World Food Programme warned that food needs in Venezuela were already high before the disaster. “The loss of livelihoods and assets is likely to compound the situation,” the agency said. Its U.S. branch added, “When disasters strike, food is one of the most immediate needs. The World Food Programme is on the ground and needs urgent support to deliver humanitarian assistance.”
The last earthquake of comparable scale to hit Venezuela was in 1967, when a magnitude 6.7 quake killed more than 200 people.