Venezuela Earthquakes Claim 32 Lives, 700 Injured

June 24, Kathmandu – Two powerful earthquakes, striking within 40 seconds of each other, have caused extensive human and material damage in Venezuela. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed that 32 people have died and 700 others have been injured so far. As search and rescue operations continue, the casualty figures are expected to rise.

The US Geological Survey had earlier estimated a 44 percent probability that the earthquake could result in over 10,000 deaths and a 30 percent probability of fatalities exceeding 100,000. Rescue teams in the capital are actively searching for survivors trapped under debris. Some individuals have been heard calling for help from beneath the rubble, according to reports.

Many buildings in Caracas have lost power, and the metro service has been completely suspended. The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, were centered in the western area of the capital. The tremors were felt as far away as Bogotá, Colombia. The first quake struck at 6:04 PM local time, which corresponds to 3:49 AM Nepal time on Thursday. The tremors occurred during a national holiday in Venezuela when many residents were at home.

In response, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that America is dispatching immediate search and rescue teams, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid to Venezuela. On social media platform X, he expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones and commended the brave rescue workers tirelessly engaged in relief efforts. US State Department officials confirmed that American teams are coordinating with Venezuelan authorities to provide necessary assistance.