At least 164 people were killed and 971 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, turning a national holiday into widespread destruction. The quakes measured 7.5 and 7.2, and their force was felt across the country, causing apartment buildings to collapse, knocking out electricity and water systems, and shutting down Simón Bolívar International Airport.
The first quake hit at 6:04 p.m. Eastern Time near San Felipe, the capital of Yaracuy state. Less than a minute later, a stronger tremor struck about 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare. The shaking was felt in Caracas and at least seven other states, including Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcón.
Georgina Rodríguez, Cristiano Ronaldo’s fiancée, responded on Instagram, where she has tens of millions of followers, writing, "My heart is praying for Venezuela." Rodríguez was born in Argentina, holds Argentine and Spanish citizenship, and is the mother of Ronaldo’s children.
Venezuela’s coast state of La Guaira suffered the worst damage and was declared a disaster area. A waterfront hotel in Macuto was among dozens of buildings destroyed. President Delcy Rodríguez said the death toll was likely to rise as rescue efforts continued. CNN quoted Caracas resident Manuel Guevara Barros, who said he could not even walk because of the violent shaking and described the experience as terrifying.
