Jakarta, ThedailyID — Venezuela is facing another major crisis after twin earthquakes measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck about 160 kilometers west of Caracas, causing widespread destruction as rescue operations continue across the country.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) warned that the disaster could cause extensive damage and a high number of casualties. Its early impact assessment estimated the death toll could eventually reach between 10,000 and 100,000 in the worst-case scenario, although authorities have not confirmed those figures.
Officials have yet to release a nationwide casualty count. However, local authorities and witnesses reported collapsed buildings, rescue operations and a growing number of injuries.
The earthquakes struck as Venezuela continues to recover from years of political and economic turmoil. The country has also undergone major political changes following the U.S. operation that removed former President Nicolás Maduro in January. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez now leads the government.
Political tensions remain high. Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump shared a social media image depicting Venezuela as a potential “51st State” of the United States. Rodríguez rejected the suggestion and said Venezuela would never consider such a proposal.
Trump has also highlighted Venezuela’s vast oil reserves. In an interview with Fox News, he said the country’s energy resources remained strategically important and claimed Venezuelans supported his leadership.
Long before the earthquakes, Venezuela had endured one of the world’s deepest economic crises. Years of economic mismanagement and international sanctions sharply reduced living standards, according to Economics Observatory.
The research group estimated that living standards fell by 74% between 2013 and 2023. It described the decline as one of the largest recorded outside war, revolution or state collapse.
Despite holding the world’s largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela has struggled with hyperinflation, widespread poverty and prolonged political instability. Those conditions have driven millions of people to leave the country.
The BBC previously reported that about eight million Venezuelans have emigrated in search of better opportunities. The broadcaster also said thousands continued leaving the country each day during the height of the humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, Venezuela has recently shown signs of economic recovery. Fuel shortages have eased, and queues at gasoline stations have largely disappeared.
The country told the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that oil production reached 1.095 million barrels per day in March. That marked an increase of 75,000 barrels per day from the previous month.
Production also rose from about 893,000 barrels per day in 2024. In addition, Spanish energy company Repsol announced plans to resume oil operations in Venezuela after meeting interim President Rodríguez.
Chevron has also expanded its investment in the country. A new agreement with state-owned oil company PDVSA increases Chevron’s stake in the Petroindependencia joint venture from nearly 36% to 49%.
The earthquakes now threaten to slow that fragile recovery. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors while authorities work to assess the full extent of the damage.
