Venezuela earthquake live: state of emergency declared after officials warn of widespread damage and high casualties

Venezuela Earthquake Live: State of Emergency Activated Amid Widespread Destruction and Severe Loss

Venezuela earthquake live - Following a series of powerful tremors that shook the country, Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has declared a state of emergency. This decision comes as authorities warn of extensive damage and significant casualties, with the nation grappling to assess the full impact of the quakes. The declaration was made during a televised address, where Rodríguez called on citizens to remain calm and united. “We urge the population to stay composed and work together,” she stated, emphasizing the need for collective resilience in the face of the crisis.

Infrastructure Disruption and Immediate Response

Major disruptions have been reported across key transportation hubs. The country’s main airport, Maracaibo International Airport, has been temporarily closed after suffering “significant structural damage,” according to Rodríguez. Additionally, the metro and train systems have been halted to ensure safety. These measures reflect the urgency of the situation as emergency teams begin assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts.

Rodríguez also expressed condolences to those affected, though she did not specify the exact toll. “Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones,” she said, underscoring the human cost of the disaster. The interim leader urged residents to evacuate buildings deemed unsafe, as concerns grow about potential further quakes. So far, at least four people in and around Caracas have been confirmed dead, Reuters reported, highlighting the severity of the situation in the capital.

Local Officials Detail Casualties and Damage

Local officials have provided more specific details about the tragedy. The mayor of Baruta district in Caracas, on social media, confirmed three fatalities after two structures collapsed. Meanwhile, Gustavo Duque, mayor of Chacao district, shared that one individual was killed and four buildings were completely destroyed. He also noted that twenty-two people had been hospitalized, with the injured and missing still being accounted for.

Governor Victor Clark of the coastal state of Falcon reported 22 injuries and 15 adults who were unaccounted for in his region. However, a national tally of deaths and injuries has yet to be released. The ongoing updates from officials highlight the chaos in the aftermath, as emergency workers race against time to rescue survivors and stabilize the situation.

International Support and Political Remarks

Amid the crisis, international leaders have pledged aid. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who has a contentious relationship with Venezuelan authorities, offered assistance in a post on X. “We extend our solidarity and prayers to the people of Venezuela. Stay strong,” he wrote. Similarly, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa ordered the immediate dispatch of humanitarian supplies, stating, “Ecuador will respond swiftly and decisively because, despite our differences, humanity must guide our actions as leaders.”

The United States has also committed to supporting the region. A disaster response team is being sent to Venezuela, including resources for search and rescue operations and medical aid. US President Donald Trump criticized early reports, calling them “not good” and describing the quakes as having “left a devastating number of deaths.” In a post on Truth Social, he emphasized the US’s readiness to help, adding, “We will be there for our new and great friends.” Despite his remarks, no official figures were cited in the update.

Residents’ Accounts and Community Impact

Residents in Caracas have shared harrowing experiences of the earthquakes. At a shopping center near the city center, people were left in shock as buildings cracked and shook. “The stairs came away, the entire wall cracked. Items fell from the ceiling. It was terrible,” said Odalis Escalona, a 54-year-old bank employee, as quoted by AFP. She described the scene as one of panic, with individuals fleeing the premises in a rush.

Zenia Gonzalez, a 52-year-old woman, recounted the chaos while comforting a frightened teenager. “We waited for the tremors to subside and then ran down the escalator,” she said. “The shaking was too intense. It lasted a long time,” she added. Nearby, Maria Romero, a 48-year-old engineer, described the tremors as “moving a lot and sounding like a deep roar,” forcing her to evacuate her apartment hastily.

The tremors have not only caused physical damage but also disrupted daily life. Many residents reported feeling too anxious to return home, fearing more quakes. This apprehension has led to a sense of uncertainty, with families gathering in public spaces to seek safety and support. The city’s infrastructure and services are under strain, as emergency personnel work tirelessly to address the crisis.

Ongoing Rescue Operations and Government Coordination

Emergency workers are continuing their efforts to rescue survivors trapped in the rubble. According to Reuters, the mayor of Caracas, Carmen Meléndez, is on-site in the San Bernardino neighborhood alongside Nicolás Maduro’s son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra. They described being “out on the street, working” to manage the situation and provide aid to those in need.

Rescue operations are taking place under challenging conditions, including the ongoing darkness and the risk of aftershocks. Duque, the Chacao district mayor, noted that several buildings had collapsed, with 18 survivors extracted from one structure alone. “We will do everything possible to save as many people as we can,” he said, urging citizens to seek shelter in public plazas and remain alert for further tremors.

As information continues to flow in, the scale of the disaster becomes clearer. The first major earthquakes struck at around 6pm on Wednesday local time, triggering more than 20 aftershocks in the days that followed. These continuous quakes have left communities in disarray, with the focus now on recovery and rebuilding. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Venezuela’s infrastructure and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to mitigate the crisis’s impact.