Two significant earthquakes struck Venezuela less than a minute apart on Wednesday evening, causing buildings to collapse in the capital city of Caracas and resulting in at least 164 fatalities.

Casualties and Damage

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez reported early Thursday that over 971 individuals were injured, updating an earlier toll provided to state media. These numbers do not account for potential casualties in La Guaira, north of Caracas, which Rodríguez referred to as a “true tragedy” and a “disaster zone.”

The U.S. Geological Survey indicated that the epicenter of the initial quake was near San Felipe, roughly 100 miles west of Caracas, while the second, more powerful quake, measuring 7.5 in magnitude, struck just 39 seconds later near Yumare.

“High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread,” stated the USGS.

These quakes are among the most powerful to hit Venezuela in over a century, occurring shortly after 6 p.m.

International Response

The United States, alongside various humanitarian organizations and countries such as China, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, pledged support. President Donald Trump announced on social media late Wednesday that he had “instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the U.S. was “immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance.”

Rodríguez expressed her gratitude to Trump and the U.S. government for maintaining “permanent contact” with Venezuelan officials. She later mentioned having spoken with Rubio by phone, though she did not disclose specifics. Additionally, she thanked global leaders who sent messages of support.

Eyewitness Accounts

In Caracas, residents evacuated swaying buildings and remained outside, many in shock as they witnessed entire walls collapse, exposing furniture to the street. Dust clouds were visible in two neighborhoods, typically bustling with activity.

“The scene was like a horror movie,” recounted a woman who managed to escape her building. “We had to climb over the rubble and everything.”

A video shared online, verified by NBC News, captured dust billowing across the Caracas skyline.

“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” stated Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello on state television. He urged caution, especially for children and the elderly, and advised people to stay outdoors as aftershocks could further jeopardize structures.

“The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong,” said Caracas resident Roberto Damas. “We were walking and it was tossing us around. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out.”

World Vision, an aid organization, announced that it was activating its emergency response in Venezuela. Luis Colmenarez, a regional emergency content and communications specialist for the organization, shared his experience of the earthquake while watching “Toy Story” with his sisters, noting that the shaking lasted between two and three minutes, “It felt endless.”