Twin Earthquakes Kill 235 in Venezuela as La Guaira Declared a Disaster Zone

At least 235 people were killed and 4,300 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, with the coastal region of La Guaira declared a disaster zone. The back-to-back earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, caused widespread structural collapses and triggered urgent rescue operations.

The first earthquake, a magnitude 7.2, struck west of Moron on the Caribbean coast at a depth of 22 kilometers. Just one minute later, a second earthquake of magnitude 7.5 hit at a depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter located 16 kilometers southwest of Moron.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez declared the worst-hit state of La Guaira a disaster zone. More than 250 buildings were damaged in the coastal region, which borders the capital of Caracas. The area's Simón Bolívar International Airport also suffered extensive damage, and at least five other Venezuelan states reported impacts from the tremors.

Health Minister Carlos Alvarado confirmed the rising casualties, stating that many victims died before reaching health facilities or arrived without vital signs. The death toll of 235 is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to dig through the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Among the victims, Spain's foreign ministry confirmed that two Spanish citizens died and 80 others remain missing.

International aid offers have poured in from India, China, and Brazil to support the affected country. A senior US military official from the Southern Command also arrived in Venezuela to oversee the earthquake response efforts. Additionally, Starlink announced it would provide free services to affected customers in the region until July 25 to assist with communication.

Meanwhile, the US Geological Survey warned of potential aftershocks, estimating a 99 percent chance of a magnitude 4 aftershock within the week, and a 24 percent chance of a stronger magnitude 6 aftershock.