Death Toll in Venezuela Earthquake Rises to 1,400 in Strongest Quake in 125 Years

The death toll from two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to approximately 1,400, with officials warning the number could increase significantly due to many missing persons and limited rescue resources. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and occurring just 39 seconds apart along the San Sebastian fault system, represent the strongest seismic event in Venezuela in over 125 years.

The Venezuelan government declared the coastal region of La Guaira a national disaster zone following widespread destruction of residential buildings and infrastructure. The capital city Caracas experienced a complete shutdown of its subway system, closure of the main international airport due to runway damage, and extensive power outages affecting cellular service and natural gas supply.

Over 50,000 people remain unaccounted for, while hospitals have treated more than 3,200 injured. Many residents, fearing further collapses amid hundreds of aftershocks, are spending nights outdoors in parks and open areas. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and terror, with one resident recalling the quake lasting two to three minutes during a national holiday.

International aid has begun arriving from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Chile, deploying specialized rescue teams and search dogs. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the two major tremors occurred within less than a minute of each other, intensifying the disaster's impact.

Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez emphasized the severity of the situation and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance as recovery efforts continue amid ongoing aftershocks.