Venezuela Declares State of Emergency After Twin Earthquakes Kill 32, Injure 700

Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, announced a state of emergency following two major earthquakes that shook the nation. The tremors, registering 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, triggered significant damage, including collapsed buildings in the capital, Caracas, and across multiple states. At least 32 people died and 700 were injured in the disaster.

Rodriguez stated that emergency mechanisms within the General Staff Headquarters were activated to combat the crisis. The Simon Bolivar International Airport was shut down until further notice due to infrastructure damage. Schools were declared on holiday, and non-essential activities were suspended, with an urgent inspection of damaged structures mandated.

"Our priority is to save lives; we will address material reconstruction later," Rodriguez declared, emphasizing national unity. "Now is the time for the nation to unite. We must act together to save lives and maintain this solidarity."

The country recorded 20 aftershocks following the initial quakes. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the two powerful earthquakes, with depths of 10 and 21.9 kilometers respectively. Offers of assistance from various countries, including the United States, Panama, Qatar, Ecuador, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico, as well as from the United Nations and multilateral financial institutions, were acknowledged by Rodriguez.

“

Our priority is to save lives; we will address material reconstruction later. Now is the time for the nation to unite. We must act together to save lives and maintain this solidarity.