The death toll from the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to 164, while 971 people have been injured, according to interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
The updated figures, released on Thursday, mark a sharp increase from the initial casualty report of 32 deaths and more than 700 injuries issued shortly after the disaster.
Authorities said approximately 30 aftershocks have been recorded since Wednesday’s powerful earthquakes, raising concerns over additional structural damage and complicating ongoing rescue efforts.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. The two seismic events struck within 39 seconds of each other, making them one of the most destructive earthquake doublets recorded in the region.
The USGS said the first earthquake occurred about 21 kilometres west of the coastal town of Morón, while the second struck roughly 45 kilometres away moments later.
Emergency responders remain engaged in intensive search-and-rescue operations across affected communities, particularly in the capital, Caracas.
An AFP journalist reported that a 22-storey residential building in the Altamira district collapsed completely, trapping several people beneath the rubble.
Volunteers and rescue workers continued searching through debris as families gathered nearby, calling out the names of missing loved ones.
Authorities have warned residents to remain alert due to the continued risk of aftershocks.
The earthquakes caused significant damage to buildings, roads and public infrastructure.
Operations at Venezuela’s main international airport were temporarily suspended while engineers assessed the extent of structural damage.
Emergency services have also been deployed to inspect schools, hospitals and government facilities affected by the powerful tremors.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed condolences to the victims and offered assistance to Venezuela.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said:
“The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help.”
He added that federal agencies had been directed to prepare emergency support should Venezuela request international assistance.
With hundreds injured and thousands displaced, humanitarian agencies are warning that the full scale of the disaster may take days to determine.
Rescue operations continue as emergency workers race against time to locate survivors beneath collapsed buildings.
Authorities are also monitoring damaged structures for possible collapse as aftershocks persist.
