Powerful Twin Earthquakes Strike Venezuela, State of Emergency Declared

Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction and prompting large-scale rescue operations, according to reports by CNN.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the emergency measures in a televised address, confirming that lives had been lost in the disaster. While extending condolences to affected families, she did not specify the number of casualties.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Venezuelan capital Caracas was struck by two powerful earthquakes within a short interval on Wednesday evening.

The first earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.2, struck near San Felipe, approximately 284 kilometers west of Caracas, at 22:04 GMT. It was followed almost immediately by a second, stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake near Yumare, around 293 kilometers west of the capital.

The United States Geological Survey warned that casualties could range between 10,000 and 100,000, stating that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread.”

Emergency response teams have been deployed across affected areas to search for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings and damaged infrastructure. The disaster has reportedly caused panic in several regions, particularly in Caracas, where structural damage has been reported.

According to the National Center for Seismology, the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 15 kilometers, increasing the intensity of ground shaking.

The United States Embassy in Caracas said it is closely monitoring the situation and advised American citizens in Venezuela to avoid damaged areas, stay out of unsafe buildings, and follow local emergency updates.

International leaders also expressed solidarity with Venezuela. Maria Elvira Salazar offered prayers for affected families and rescue workers, while Nayib Bukele said El Salvador stands with the Venezuelan people during the crisis.

Opposition leader Edmundo González reported significant structural damage and widespread panic following the back-to-back earthquakes.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition figure and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado urged unity and prayed for the safety of Venezuelan families as the country responds to one of its most severe natural disasters in recent years.