Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in quick succession on Wednesday evening, causing buildings to collapse in the capital, Caracas, and triggering widespread panic across several regions.
The quakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake, measuring 7.2 in magnitude, struck near San Felipe, about 284 km west of Caracas, at 22:04 GMT. It was followed shortly afterward by a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake near Yumare, approximately 293 km west of the capital.
The first quake occurred at a depth of 22 kilometres, while the second struck at a depth of 10 kilometres. The USGS warned that "high casualties and extensive damage are probable" and that the disaster could be widespread.
Videos circulating on social media showed residents fleeing buildings and gathering in the streets as tremors shook the city. Power outages and communication disruptions were reported in several parts of Caracas.
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a state of emergency following the devastating earthquakes, as authorities confirmed fatalities and launched rescue operations across the affected regions.
"I extend my condolences to those who have sadly suffered the loss of a family member," she said in a televised address late on Wednesday. She, however, did not specify the number of deaths.
According to reports, emergency response teams have been deployed to search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings and other damaged structures, while authorities continue to assess the full extent of the destruction caused by the twin earthquakes.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the earthquakes were felt across multiple states. He noted that the Altamira neighbourhood of Caracas was facing "alarming situations," with reports of collapsed homes and damaged buildings.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has been living in exile since leaving Venezuela in December, expressed solidarity with those affected. In a post on X, she said her thoughts and prayers were with Venezuelan families and called for unity and resilience in the face of the disaster.
"We must remain strong, serene and united during this difficult moment. May God protect every Venezuelan, our families and our homes," she wrote.
Expressing support for Venezuela, Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvador, said: "Our hearts are with the people of Venezuela during these difficult times. We send them all our solidarity and our prayers. Strength, Venezuela."
