Venezuela’s capital has been rocked by two powerful earthquakes in quick succession, causing widespread damage and prompting emergency response efforts across the country.
The seismic events rank among the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than a century and Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez has officially declared a state of emergency. No death toll or number of people injured has been announced.
The tremors were felt nationwide, but the most severe impacts were reported in and around Caracas. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show frightened travellers rushing through airport terminals as debris fell from damaged structures.
According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, preceded by a magnitude 7.2 foreshock just 39 seconds earlier. The epicentre was located near the coastal community of Moron, about 168 kilometres west of Caracas, at a depth of approximately 13 kilometres.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the earthquakes were felt across multiple states and reported serious damage in Caracas’ Altamira district, where several homes and buildings had collapsed.
Authorities have urged residents to remain outdoors where possible, warning that aftershocks could trigger further structural failures.
Cabello also indicated that injuries had been reported, calling on drivers to keep roads clear for ambulances and emergency crews responding to affected areas.
“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” he said during a televised address.
He also encouraged residents to check on relatives, neighbours and vulnerable community members, particularly children and older people, as emergency services continued assessments of the damage.
Source: ABC News
