Venezuela declares state of emergency after twin earthquakes strike

Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck Venezuela on Wednesday, causing widespread damage and prompting authorities to declare a nationwide state of emergency. The tremors affected several areas of the country, including the capital, Caracas, where reports indicated building collapses and infrastructure damage. The epicenter was located about 28 kilometers northwest of Montalbán, near key oil refining facilities.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the 7.5-magnitude earthquake occurred just 40 seconds after an initial 7.2-magnitude quake in the same region. Following the disaster, acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced emergency measures, including the suspension of classes and non-essential work activities, the evacuation of severely damaged homes, and the closure of Maiquetía International Airport, one of the facilities most affected by the earthquakes.

As rescue and recovery efforts continue, Venezuelan authorities have urged citizens to remain united and prioritize safety. Meanwhile, opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado expressed support for those affected, offering prayers for victims and their families. U.S. tsunami monitoring centers later confirmed that there is no tsunami threat in the Caribbean, leading officials to cancel an earlier precautionary warning.