The aftermath of the catastrophic earthquakes that jolted Venezuela continues to worsen, according to the latest figures from EFE.
On Thursday, President Delcy Rodríguez updated the grim statistics, reporting 164 fatalities, 971 injuries, and confirming at least 30 aftershocks since the two powerful earthquakes struck the northern region of the country on Wednesday afternoon.
The seismic events—measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale—occurred on June 24 with a mere 39-second interval, with their epicenters located in the state of Yaracuy.
The second, more intense quake had a depth of just 10 kilometers, significantly amplifying its impact on the surface. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has deemed it the most powerful earthquake recorded in Venezuela since 1900.
La Guaira: The Epicenter of Destruction
The state of La Guaira has borne the brunt of the devastation. Rodríguez declared it a disaster area, describing the dire circumstances with stark honesty.
"La Guaira is a genuine tragedy. Numerous buildings have collapsed, and we are currently engaged in strenuous rescue efforts to save as many lives as God permits," she stated.
In Caracas, the neighborhoods of Los Palos Grandes, Altamira, and Chacao witnessed building collapses, including the 14-story Petunia residential block and at least a 22-story tower in Altamira.
More than 90 structures were affected in the state of Miranda alone. Structural damages have led to the closure of Maiquetía International Airport, the Caracas Metro, and the Tuy Valleys Railway. Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcón are also among the hardest-hit regions.
International Response and Potential Impact
The USGS has issued a Red Alert—the highest level—and its loss estimation system suggests a 42% chance that the final death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000 people.
The agency also projected economic losses amounting to 1%-7% of Venezuela's Gross Domestic Product. These projections are automated probabilistic estimates, not actual victim counts, with the official figures currently much lower than these estimates.
In her second public appearance, early Thursday morning, Rodríguez expressed specific gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump.
"I want to thank President Donald Trump and his administration for maintaining constant contact with the Venezuelan government, offering support and solidarity. Rescue teams are expected to arrive within the next few hours," she noted.
Trump responded on his social platform, Truth Social, stating he had directed all government agencies to "move quickly" and assured that the United States would stand by its "new and great friends."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate dispatch of search and rescue teams, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid.
Rodríguez also acknowledged the confirmed support from Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Qatar, whose rescue brigade was expected to arrive on Thursday. Notably absent from the list of assisting countries—such as the United States, Panama, Qatar, Ecuador, Colombia, United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico—was Cuba, a historical ally of the Venezuelan regime.
The acting president was accompanied by Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly, and Diosdado Cabello, Minister of the Interior, and called for national unity in the face of disaster: "The priority is to save lives; the reconstruction can follow."
Understanding the Impact of Venezuela's Earthquakes
How severe were the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes were extremely severe, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, making them the most powerful recorded in Venezuela since 1900.
Which areas were most affected by the earthquakes?
La Guaira was declared a disaster zone with significant damage. Other affected areas include Caracas, particularly Los Palos Grandes, Altamira, and Chacao, as well as the states of Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcón.
What international support has Venezuela received?
Venezuela has received support from several countries, including the United States, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Qatar, among others, with rescue teams and humanitarian aid on the way.