Two powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck near the town of Morón in Carabobo state just 39 seconds apart, causing severe damage across Venezuela and marking the largest seismic event in the South American country in over a century. Authorities fear hundreds are dead and thousands injured.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the worst devastation recorded so far is concentrated in the capital Caracas, located about 160 km east of the epicenter, and along the northern coast. She expressed condolences to families of the deceased and said rescue teams are being deployed from various areas to La Guaira.
International airport area and La Guaira
The coastal area near the capital's international airport, about a 45-minute drive northeast of the city center, experienced violent shaking. Large sections of the terminal roof collapsed onto passengers fleeing for safety. Rodríguez confirmed the airport suffered 'severe damage' and was immediately closed. Subway and rail systems also ceased operation.
Coastal town Catia La Mar
Just west of La Guaira, the coastal town of Catia La Mar saw scenes of devastation. Reports indicate more than a dozen large buildings, including seaside hotels and luxury condominiums, collapsed. The Playa Grande neighborhood was particularly hard hit. Rodríguez said: 'Dozens of buildings collapsed there... We are conducting emergency rescue operations to save people.'
Central Caracas
In the Altamira and Los Palos Grandes neighborhoods, home to many foreign embassies and upscale residences, a Guardian reporter noted at least three buildings had collapsed. Some people are believed trapped under debris. Outside one building, a man wept calling for his grandmother, fearing she was inside. Rescue workers and volunteers are actively searching for survivors.
The JW Marriott hotel, which served as a de facto U.S. embassy after the January military intervention, was violently shaken. Social media footage shows panicked tourists scrambling for cover as the outdoor dining area shook.
According to Reuters, three people died in Baruta district of Caracas after two buildings collapsed. The mayor of Chacao district reported one fatality, four collapsed buildings, and 22 people hospitalized.
Epicenter area — Carabobo state
The epicenter was located far west of the capital, in a rural area near the coastal town of Morón in Carabobo state. In Naguanagua, many building walls collapsed. In Valencia, the state capital, residents gathered outside damaged structures.
