At Least 164 Killed, 971 Injured as Powerful Earthquakes Devastate Venezuela

At least 164 people have been killed and 971 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, according to interim President Delcy Rodríguez.

The updated figures represent a sharp increase from the earlier reported toll of 32 deaths and 700 injuries, with authorities warning that the number of casualties could rise further as search and rescue operations continue.

The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century, causing widespread destruction across affected regions.

Rodríguez said rescue teams from other parts of the country were being redeployed to the hardest-hit area of La Guaira, located north of the capital, Caracas.

“Dozens of buildings have collapsed there, and we are currently carrying out intensive rescue operations to save lives,” she said, as emergency crews continue searching for survivors beneath the rubble.