At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and triggering panic across the country.
According to AFP, cited by Channels Television, the twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude hit the same region of Venezuela on Wednesday. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the second quake followed the first by just 39 seconds.
Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, declared a state of emergency and confirmed the casualty figures in a national address early Thursday. She said authorities were still awaiting reports from La Guaira, one of the worst-affected areas near the capital, Caracas.
The earthquakes damaged buildings across Caracas, including a 22-storey structure in the Altamira district that was completely destroyed. Rescue workers and volunteers continued searching through rubble for survivors as relatives gathered at affected sites.
Residents described scenes of fear and confusion as the tremors shook homes, offices and shopping centres.
The USGS said the first earthquake struck about 21 kilometres west of the coastal town of Morón, while the second occurred roughly 45 kilometres away. The agency reported depths of 22 kilometres and 10 kilometres respectively.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said gas supplies had been cut to several buildings as a precaution against further accidents. Authorities also closed Maiquetía International Airport after reporting significant structural damage.
The impact of the disaster extended beyond Venezuela. The tremors were felt in neighbouring Colombia, including the capital, Bogotá, where some residents evacuated buildings.
Freddy Tovar, coordinator of Colombia’s National Seismological Network, said officials received more than 200 reports of tremors from across the country. He warned that aftershocks could continue to be felt in Colombian territory.
Meanwhile, the US National Tsunami Warning Center and Colombia’s disaster management agency ruled out any tsunami threat following the earthquakes.
US President Donald Trump expressed support for Venezuela, saying the United States stood ready to assist with relief efforts. He said federal agencies had been instructed to prepare for a rapid response if needed.
The states of Trujillo, Carabobo, Miranda and La Guaira were identified as the hardest-hit regions.
The disaster ranks among the most severe seismic events in Venezuela in recent decades. The country’s deadliest recent earthquake struck Caracas in 1967, killing 236 people, while a major quake in 1997 claimed 73 lives in the northeast of the country.
