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Venezuela rocked by monster earthquakes: Key updates as country declares emergency
Venezuela earthquake today: The quakes caused panic in the capital Caracas, where residents fled swaying buildings and spent hours outdoors fearing aftershocks.
Venezuela declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck the country's Caribbean coast within seconds of each other on Wednesday evening, flattening buildings, damaging key infrastructure and triggering rescue operations across several states. The twin tremors, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, have killed at least 32 people and injured more than 700, with authorities warning the toll could rise as rescuers continue searching through collapsed buildings.
The earthquakes caused panic in the capital Caracas, where residents fled swaying buildings and spent hours outdoors fearing aftershocks. Simón Bolívar International Airport was shut after suffering severe structural damage, while schools and non-essential government offices were closed until next week. La Guaira, where dozens of buildings collapsed, has been declared a disaster zone. The United States has mobilised a disaster assistance team, while several countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador, El Salvador and Qatar, have offered aid and rescue teams.
Two powerful earthquakes struck within 39 seconds
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near the coastal town of Morón, around 168 kilometres west of Caracas, shortly after 6 pm local time.
Just 39 seconds later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake hit nearby. The quakes occurred at shallow depths of 22 km and 10 km, respectively, with the USGS describing the event as a rare seismic "doublet".
The agency warned the shallow earthquakes had the potential to cause significant casualties and damage because of the intense ground shaking.
Buildings collapsed, airport closed and state of emergency declared
Acting president Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency after the earthquakes damaged homes, public infrastructure and Venezuela's main international gateway, Simón Bolívar International Airport.
The airport was closed after sustaining severe structural damage, while classes and non-essential work were suspended in several affected areas. Rodríguez urged healthcare workers to report to hospitals immediately, appealed to the public to remain calm, and thanked countries that had offered assistance, saying international rescue teams were expected to arrive in the coming hours.
Rescue operations continue, aftershocks hamper efforts
Interior minister Diosdado Cabello said rescue teams had been deployed across the worst-hit states, including La Guaira, Miranda, Carabobo and Trujillo.
La Guaira has emerged as the worst-affected region, with around 15 buildings collapsing. In Falcon state, several people remained trapped beneath the rubble, while authorities said more than 20 aftershocks had rattled the country since the initial quakes, complicating rescue operations. Emergency workers continued searching damaged buildings overnight as officials warned residents to stay away from unstable structures.
