Venezuela has declared a state of emergency following two powerful earthquakes that caused extensive destruction in several parts of the country, acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced late Wednesday.
In a televised address, Rodríguez described the disaster as an incident with severe consequences but did not immediately disclose the extent of the damage or possible death toll, noting that rescue efforts remained the top priority.
According to Rodríguez, authorities have suspended school activities, halted rail transportation, and shut down the international airport in Caracas after infrastructure was damaged by the quakes.
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The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the earthquakes at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, making them among the strongest seismic events recorded worldwide this year.
The second and more powerful tremor struck at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometres, heightening concerns over widespread destruction and potential casualties. Emergency responders have since launched search operations for people who may be trapped under collapsed structures.
Television footage from Caracas showed several buildings reduced to rubble, while videos shared on social media revealed damage at the city’s airport. Other clips captured terrified passengers rushing for safety as the ground shook and clouds of dust filled the air.
“We are dealing with an extremely alarming situation,” Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on television, adding that some buildings had collapsed and urging residents to take shelter.
Cabello said the earthquake was felt across at least seven states and warned that aftershocks could trigger additional collapses in already weakened structures.
As a precautionary measure, officials also ordered the shutdown of gas supplies to reduce the risk of explosions.
USGS data showed that the first earthquake struck at 6:04 p.m. (2204 GMT), with its epicentre located 24 kilometres east of San Felipe in northwestern Venezuela at a depth of 21.9 kilometres. The second and stronger tremor occurred only a few kilometres further north.
The nearby cities of Puerto Cabello and San Felipe, which together are home to more than 400,000 people, are among the areas most at risk. A USGS automated assessment based on the quake’s strength and proximity to populated areas indicated a very high probability of significant casualties.
Although Caracas is more than 150 kilometres east of the epicentre, it was among the first locations from which images and reports of the destruction emerged.
Venezuelan Nobel Peace Prize laureate and opposition leader María Corina Machado, who is currently outside the country, expressed support for those affected in a post on X.
“My heart, my infinite embrace and my prayers go out in these hours of hardship to every Venezuelan family.
“May strength, calm, and solidarity prevail among us in this difficult time.”
NAN
