Tragedy in Venezuela as earthquake kill 32, injure over 700

At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two catastrophic earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday.

Acting President of Venezuela Delcy Rodríguez said the coastal state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, was the worst-hit, with dozens of buildings collapsing.

Rescue workers are still rummaging through rubble in Caracas, where trapped residents have reportedly been heard calling for help.

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, occurred about a minute apart at 6:04pm local time while many citizens were at home celebrating a national holiday.

The second quake is said to be the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned that the death toll could rise significantly, with estimates suggesting that thousands may have been affected.

US President Donald Trump was among the first world leaders to react to the disaster.

Trump said he had directed relevant agencies to prepare for a swift response.

“The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly.

“We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!!”

Mexico also pledged support, with President Claudia Sheinbaum directing the country’s foreign ministry to activate cooperation protocols and offer technical assistance.

“Our solidarity goes out to the people of Venezuela. The Secretariat of Foreign Affairs has contacted the government of our brother country and I have already instructed that the necessary aid be prepared. For now they have requested support with specialized rescue and health personnel. Mexico has always been and always will be supportive,” Sheinbaum said.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said his government had placed rescue resources on standby shortly after images of damaged buildings emerged from Caracas.

“At this time we have offered aid to the Government of Venezuela through our foreign ministry. Three hundred rescuers and paramedics, along with 50 tons of equipment, medicines and essential supplies, are ready to depart for Caracas,” Bukele said.

He added that specialised search, rescue and emergency response teams from the Dominican Republic’s Armed Forces would be deployed in Venezuela on Friday to support local authorities in ongoing rescue operations.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, the injured and all the Venezuelan people in these very difficult hours,” Abinader said.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said he had ordered the immediate deployment of humanitarian assistance.