Venezuela was shaken by two major earthquakes on Wednesday evening, with the tremors striking just seconds apart and causing widespread damage across the country.
The U.S. Geological Survey said a magnitude 7.2 foreshock hit first, followed about 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 mainshock near Venezuela’s northern coast west of Caracas.
The larger quake is being described as the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century, with officials saying the death toll could still rise as rescue teams search collapsed buildings and damaged neighborhoods.
As of the latest reports, at least 32 people have died and around 700 have been injured.
Seismologists said the back-to-back quakes triggered a rare “doublet” event, and the USGS issued an unusually severe impact warning shortly after the tremors hit, saying high casualties and extensive damage were likely.
The agency’s initial modeling suggested a significant risk of catastrophic losses in a worst-case scenario, though that estimate was based on early data and not an official death toll.
The President responded to the disaster on Truth Social.
“The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths.
“The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! 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!!! President DJT.”
Delcy Rodríguez thanked Trump on social media and said he had been in contact with authorities. In a Facebook post, she said the President had ‘offered support and solidarity to Venezuela.’
The U.S. said it was also mobilizing assistance and had been in contact with Venezuelan authorities after the quakes.
More than 20 aftershocks have reportedly been felt across the country since the initial two quakes.
Images from the aftermath show extensive destruction, including collapsed buildings and debris scattered across streets. Authorities declared a state of emergency after the earthquakes, and some residents were urged to leave affected areas as emergency crews worked through the night.
Furniture and rubble have been seen piled up outside damaged properties, while several buildings appear to have been severely affected.
The earthquakes struck during Battle of Carabobo Day, the annual event marking the country’s independence from Spain.