Venezuela earthquake toll rises to at least 164 as rescue efforts expand

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Venezuela overnight Thursday, killing at least 164 people and injuring 971, President Delcy Rodriguez said. Authorities warned the death toll is likely to rise sharply because many buildings collapsed and search-and-rescue operations were still under way. At least 30 aftershocks were recorded after the two main quakes.

Rodriguez said on state television that the government is coordinating with the United Nations to send more rescue teams, while also talking with the International Monetary Fund about creating an initial $200 million fund to help rebuild the country. She asked the private sector to provide heavy machinery to clear rubble and continue rescue work, urged residents to stay calm and united, and advised them to remain indoors as long as their buildings were safe. She also announced a national prayer service at 7:00 p.m. with all faiths represented.

Venezuela’s Health Ministry was preparing a medical aid mission to the country, with teams being assembled for medicine, logistics and emergency response, pending political approval and coordination with the Foreign Ministry. The Foreign Ministry was also preparing immediately for a possible Israeli aid delegation. Rodriguez declared a state of emergency, appeared on state television alongside her brother Jorge Rodriguez, head of the National Assembly, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, and said Simon Bolivar Airport in Maiquetia, near Caracas, was closed after damage there.

Cabello said on state television that “several buildings were destroyed in Caracas, houses collapsed.” Images shared online showed a collapsed building in the capital, damaged structures, fallen walls, dust-covered neighborhoods and emergency crews climbing into the ruins after nightfall. Fire trucks were also seen in the streets, and several building facades were heavily damaged. The quake hit while many residents were home celebrating a public holiday marking a 1821 military victory that secured Venezuela’s independence from Spain. A resident, Astrid Ramirez, said, “As soon as it started, we began hearing people screaming. Everyone ran down the stairs.”

Several countries, including the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama and Uruguay, offered assistance. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Foreign Assistance Jeremy Levine said the State Department had assembled a dedicated aid team and task force to coordinate search-and-rescue crews, medical supplies, humanitarian aid and other resources with Venezuela’s transitional government. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth that the quakes were massive and caused “devastating” loss of life, while offering U.S. help and saying he had instructed agencies to prepare for rapid action. Rodriguez thanked him for the support. Miguel Trosman, a leader of CAIV, the umbrella organization of Venezuela’s Jewish communities, said the community was safe and had no reports of injured members, though many spent the night together at the Jewish community center in Caracas.