International

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Caracas, June 26: Venezuela has been left in ruins after two powerful earthquakes struck the South American nation within just 40 seconds of each other, triggering one of the country's worst natural disasters in recent history. The catastrophic twin tremors have claimed at least 235 lives so far, while more than 1,500 people have sustained serious injuries. Authorities fear that the death toll could rise dramatically, with thousands of people still believed to be trapped beneath collapsed buildings and debris as rescue operations continue around the clock.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake measured 7.2 on the Richter scale. Before residents had time to recover from the initial shock, a second and even stronger 7.5-magnitude quake struck less than a minute later. The powerful seismic activity was felt not only across Venezuela but also throughout large parts of the Caribbean region. Continuous underground tremors have kept residents on edge, forcing many to spend the night outdoors in fear of further collapses. Meteorological authorities have warned that there remains nearly a 30 percent probability of aftershocks exceeding magnitude 6.0 in the coming days.

Local media reports indicate that emergency responders and rescue teams are working relentlessly to pull survivors from the wreckage of collapsed apartment complexes, homes, and commercial buildings. Heavy machinery, search dogs, and specialized rescue units have been deployed in several of the worst-hit areas. Meanwhile, the USGS automated disaster assessment system has estimated a 42 percent probability that the final death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000, highlighting the enormous scale of the disaster. The agency has also projected that the total economic losses may amount to between 10 billion and 100 billion U.S. dollars. In addition to widespread structural destruction, authorities have issued warnings over the risks of massive landslides and soil liquefaction, which could further complicate rescue efforts and threaten already damaged infrastructure.

Venezuela is considered one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the region due to its geographical location near the boundary between the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plate. The continuous movement of these tectonic plates generates enormous pressure beneath the Earth's surface, making the country highly vulnerable to major seismic events. Experts believe that the twin earthquakes originated near the highly active and dangerous Boconó Fault, one of Venezuela's principal fault systems. According to the Venezuelan Seismic Research Foundation, nearly 80 percent of the country's population resides in areas classified as having a high seismic risk. The nation has experienced devastating earthquakes before, including the 1967 Caracas earthquake, which killed around 240 people, and the catastrophic 1812 earthquake, in which nearly 30,000 people lost their lives.

The humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community has begun mobilizing assistance for the affected nation. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency logistics operation and announced the immediate dispatch of 40 tonnes of relief supplies, including essential medical kits, food, shelter materials, and emergency equipment. The White House has also initiated efforts to coordinate resources through various U.S. federal agencies to support disaster response operations. Natalia Molano, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, stated that the Trump administration's immediate priority is to assist in search-and-rescue operations and help locate those still missing beneath the rubble.

The disaster has significantly disrupted international air travel. In view of the ongoing emergency and safety concerns, several major airlines operating across the Americas and Europe, including Iberia, Air Europa, Copa Airlines, Avianca, and LATAM Airlines, have suspended all flights to and from Caracas indefinitely until conditions improve and airport operations can safely resume.