CARACAS: Venezuela was hit by two powerful back-to-back earthquakes on Wednesday, forcing the interim government to declare a state of emergency by facing at least 164 people have died and nearly 1,000 others have been injured and more than 100 buildings have collapsed in the affected areas.
Widespread destruction was reported across the capital and other regions, including collapsed buildings and the closure of the country’s main international airport.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake measured between magnitude 7.1 and 7.2 and struck near the coastal town of Morón, west of Caracas. Within a minute, a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake hit the same region, followed by dozens of aftershocks that continued to shake the area.
Authorities said the tremors caused severe damage in Caracas and surrounding provinces, with several buildings partially or completely collapsing. Rescue teams were immediately deployed as residents rushed out of homes and offices and gathered in open areas amid ongoing aftershocks.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency, stating that all relevant institutions had been mobilised for rescue and relief operations.
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She confirmed that Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas was shut down due to structural damage.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the hardest-hit regions included Trujillo, Carabobo, Miranda, and La Guaira. He added that injuries had been reported, although authorities were still assessing the full extent of casualties and damage.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, particularly in Caracas’ Altamira district, where parts of buildings collapsed. Rescue workers and volunteers were seen searching through rubble for survivors as residents called out for missing relatives.
Officials also warned of potential gas-related hazards and temporarily suspended supply in some areas to prevent further incidents. Citizens were urged to remain outdoors due to the risk of additional aftershocks.
The earthquakes were also felt in neighbouring Colombia, including Bogotá, where buildings were evacuated and emergency alarms were triggered. Seismologists reported more than 200 aftershock-related alerts, while authorities confirmed there was no tsunami threat.
Experts noted that while Venezuela lies near major fault lines, such strong earthquakes are relatively rare in the region. The recent double quake is being described as one of the most powerful seismic events in the country in recent decades. Rescue and assessment operations are still ongoing.
