Venezuela Declares Emergency After Two Powerful Earthquakes

Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck the country within one minute on Wednesday evening. The earthquakes, measured at magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, caused widespread damage in several parts of the country, including the capital Caracas. Buildings shook in many cities, some structures collapsed and thousands of people were forced to leave their homes. Authorities have intensified rescue and relief operations after declaring an emergency.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said many states had been affected, but official figures on casualties and damaged buildings have not yet been released. The Simón Bolívar International Airport has also been damaged and closed due to the severity of the impact. Schools have been suspended for several days, and some school buildings will be used as temporary shelters and relief distribution centers. The first quake was centered near the Caribbean coastal community of Morón, about 168 kilometers west of Caracas, at a depth of 22 kilometers. The second quake struck one minute later, with its epicenter 16 kilometers southwest of Morón at a depth of 10 kilometers. Power and mobile networks have been disrupted in parts of Caracas, while roads have been blocked by debris, fallen poles and damaged structures. International support has also been offered by the United States, Chile, El Salvador and Ecuador.