Venezuela has launched a large-scale healthcare and emergency rescue operation after two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck the country on Wednesday (June 24), leaving at least 32 people dead (toll may rise) and nearly 700 injured.
The twin earthquakes, which originated in Yaracuy state west of Caracas, caused widespread destruction across the capital and several central regions, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency. Hospitals and emergency medical facilities were placed on high alert as rescue teams rushed to search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez issued an urgent appeal for doctors, nurses, paramedics and other healthcare professionals to report immediately for duty to support overwhelmed medical facilities. Health workers have been mobilized across the country to provide emergency treatment, trauma care and critical medical support to hundreds of injured residents.
The worst damage has been reported in Caracas, particularly in the Altamira district, where a 22-storey building partially collapsed. Search and rescue teams continue to work around the clock, using heavy equipment and specialized rescue techniques to locate survivors trapped under debris. Emergency responders are also operating in the heavily affected El Paraiso neighborhood and other impacted areas.
Authorities have temporarily closed Simon Bolivar International Airport due to infrastructure damage and suspended classes nationwide to facilitate emergency response efforts. Medical teams have established emergency treatment zones while hospitals continue receiving patients suffering from injuries ranging from fractures and crush injuries to severe trauma.
The earthquakes were followed by nearly two dozen aftershocks, complicating rescue operations and raising concerns about the safety of damaged structures. Emergency officials have warned residents to remain vigilant as strong aftershocks remain possible in the coming days.
International support has begun arriving as countries across the Americas offer humanitarian and medical assistance. The United States has pledged to send search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies and humanitarian aid, while El Salvador is preparing to deploy 300 paramedics and rescue personnel along with emergency medical equipment. Ecuador, Panama, Mexico and Brazil have also expressed readiness to support relief efforts.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned that casualty figures could rise as rescue operations continue and assessments of damaged buildings are completed. Healthcare authorities remain focused on providing urgent medical care, preventing further loss of life and supporting affected communities during the ongoing emergency.
Rescue operations continue across the affected regions as emergency medical teams race against time to reach survivors and provide life-saving treatment.
