Venezuela Emergency After Twin Earthquakes
Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck near the country’s northern coast, damaging buildings in Caracas and several other areas while rescue teams searched for people trapped under rubble.
Venezuela Earthquake State Of Emergency
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced the emergency after the back-to-back tremors hit on Wednesday evening local time. Authorities said the quakes caused damage across multiple states, but no official national toll of deaths or injuries has been released yet.
The first earthquake was reported at magnitude 7.2, with its epicentre near Moron, west of Caracas. A second, stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor followed less than a minute later, intensifying panic across the capital and nearby regions.
Caracas Buildings Collapse After Tremors
Several buildings were reported damaged or collapsed in Caracas, with emergency workers launching rescue operations through the night. Residents rushed into streets as homes, offices and public buildings shook violently.
Venezuela’s main Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, near Caracas, was also closed after suffering damage. Schools have been shut for several days as authorities assess structural risks and continue emergency response operations.
Aftershocks Raise Venezuela Damage Concerns
Nearly two dozen aftershocks followed the twin earthquakes, keeping residents on alert and raising concerns about further structural damage. The US Geological Survey warned that high casualties and extensive damage were probable, though official figures are still awaited.
The earthquakes are among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century. International assistance efforts are being prepared as local officials focus on rescue work, medical support and damage assessment in the worst-affected areas.
