Emergency Declared as Twin Quakes Rock Venezuela

Venezuela's interim leader declared a state of emergency as two powerful earthquakes caused significant damage, including building collapses in the capital, Caracas. The country's main airport was also forced to close following the tremors.

“

High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread.

The first earthquake, a magnitude 7.2, struck approximately 160 km west of Caracas. It was followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS initially warned that high casualties and extensive damage were probable, estimating the death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000.

While national figures for deaths and injuries were not immediately available, local officials and witnesses reported collapsed structures and an increasing number of injured individuals. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated on state television that emergency services, including the fire department and police, had been activated to manage the situation. "We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security, civil assistance," he said.

“

We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security, civil assistance.

Video footage showed emergency workers navigating the rubble of collapsed buildings in Caracas as night fell. Distraught relatives were seen seeking assistance for loved ones believed to be trapped. In the eastern Caracas municipality of Chacao, Mayor Gustavo Duque reported two collapsed structures, 16 injuries, and an unspecified number of fatalities. "We’re going to do everything we can to rescue the most people possible," he pledged.

“

The fire department, police all have been activated.

Many Venezuelans were at home during the earthquakes, which occurred on a public holiday commemorating an 1821 military victory. Residents described scenes of panic, with people rushing into the streets as buildings shook violently. Some recalled experiencing tremors far worse than a significant earthquake that hit Caracas in 1967.

“

We’re going to do everything we can to rescue the most people possible.