Venezuela quake toll climbs to 2,595 as damage estimates mount after strongest tremor in a century

The death toll from twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has climbed to 2,595, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said, describing continued search-and-rescue efforts long after the strongest tremors in over a century.

Rodríguez said more than 12,000 people had been injured, while the government still had not finalized how many people were missing. She also said nearly all officials in La Guaira were killed in the disaster, where the coastal state was among the hardest hit. The quakes caused extensive building collapse across Caracas and La Guaira and severely damaged Simón Bolívar International Airport, one of the capital’s main gateways.

Authorities said hundreds of buildings collapsed, including fully destroyed structures, while preliminary satellite assessments updated by researchers estimated that tens of thousands of buildings were likely damaged or destroyed. International estimates for direct physical damage have also been reported as climbing to billions of dollars, equivalent to a significant share of Venezuela’s economy.

The earthquakes included a magnitude 7.2 event followed seconds later by a 7.5 mainshock. The government said delays at oil terminals were minor and that exports appeared largely steady, though inspections continued at key fuel infrastructure in heavily affected areas.

International assistance expanded as well: the United States deployed search-and-rescue teams with hundreds of personnel inside Venezuela and additional support in Caribbean hubs, and pledged further humanitarian aid. Aid and rescue support were also reported from multiple other countries under international coordination as aftershocks continued and officials worked through damaged communities.