Venezuela has declared a nationwide state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck near the capital Caracas within seconds of each other, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and triggering fears of a major humanitarian crisis.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the emergency measures late Tuesday after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake was followed almost immediately by a second, even stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor. The twin quakes sent residents fleeing into the streets as buildings shook violently across the country.
Rescue teams have been deployed to the worst-affected areas and are racing against time to search through the rubble of collapsed multi-storey buildings for survivors. Emergency services reported extensive structural damage in and around Caracas, while authorities ordered the closure of the city’s main international airport after it sustained serious damage during the disaster.
In a televised address, Rodríguez expressed her condolences to families affected by the tragedy but stopped short of providing an official death toll. Authorities said it was still too early to determine the full scale of casualties as rescue operations continue.
The powerful earthquakes struck at approximately 6:04 p.m. local time during a national holiday, a factor that could significantly affect the number of victims. With many Venezuelans believed to have been at home when the earthquakes occurred, officials fear casualties may rise as more information emerges from affected regions.
According to preliminary reports, the epicentre of the earthquakes was located west of Caracas. The tremors were felt across much of Venezuela and were reportedly strong enough to be experienced in parts of neighbouring Colombia, including the capital, Bogotá.
The United States Geological Survey warned that the earthquakes could result in high casualties and extensive damage, describing the event as a disaster that is likely to be widespread. Experts cautioned that aftershocks could continue in the coming hours and days, posing additional risks to already weakened structures.
Hospitals, emergency responders and military personnel have been placed on high alert as authorities assess the scale of the devastation. Power outages and disruptions to communications have also been reported in several areas, complicating rescue and relief efforts.
The disaster comes as Venezuela faces ongoing economic challenges, raising concerns about the country’s capacity to respond to a large-scale emergency. International humanitarian organizations are closely monitoring the situation, while neighbouring countries have expressed readiness to assist if required.
As night fell over the affected region, thousands of residents remained outdoors, fearful of further tremors, while rescue crews continued their search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. Officials warned that the full extent of the catastrophe may not be known for several days.
