‘Straight out of a horror movie’: Twin earthquakes devastate Venezuela, buildings collapse in Caracas; death toll may touch 100,000

Twin earthquakes devastate Caracas and La Guaira as rescuers search collapsed buildings for survivors.
Powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela within seconds, causing widespread destruction and fears of up to 100,000 deaths. (Image: Reuters/India Today/Bloomberg/CNN)

On 24th June, two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela within 39 seconds, causing widespread destruction in Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira. The tremors triggered tsunami warnings across parts of the Caribbean and were followed by at least 20 aftershocks measuring between 4.9 and 6.4.

The earthquakes, described as Venezuela’s strongest in over a century, brought down buildings, damaged roads and highways and forced terrified residents onto the streets. Authorities have not released official casualty figures, but the US Geological Survey estimated that the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000.

Several videos of the earthquake and its aftermath were shared on social media platforms.

Speaking to the media, one of the residents said that when they went downstairs, “the scene was like a horror movie. We had to climb over the rubble”.

Families wait outside collapsed buildings

In Altamira, emergency teams, volunteers and relatives gathered outside damaged residential buildings as excavators searched for people trapped beneath the rubble.

The earthquakes also caused extensive damage in La Guaira. Venezuela’s main international gateway, Simón Bolívar International Airport, was closed after authorities detected structural damage.

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and offered condolences to the families of those killed. Rescue teams continued working through the night as residents waited for news of missing relatives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences.

“Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of India, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially to the families who have lost their loved ones. We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance,” he said in a statement.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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