Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has declared a State of Emergency following two strong earthquakes that hit the country, causing significant damage. Rodriguez urged citizens to stay vigilant and safe during this time. The Maiquetia airport has been shut down due to the impact of the earthquakes, with security forces and rescue teams mobilized nationwide for assistance.
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in rapid succession, leading to intense tremors in the capital city of Caracas. The US Geological Survey reported a magnitude 7.1 quake followed by an even stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor near the town of Moron, about 160 km west of Caracas. These shallow quakes, with a depth of 10 km, have the potential to exacerbate their destructive effects.
Venezuela’s Interior, Justice, and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that the earthquakes have caused significant damage in various cities across the nation. In the eastern part of the Caracas metropolitan area, multiple buildings collapsed, although specific casualty details were not immediately provided. Cabello advised the public to avoid remaining indoors due to the risk of aftershocks that could lead to further structural failures, emphasizing the importance of unity and composure during this crisis.
Reports from Colombia indicated that the earthquake was also strongly felt in several cities in the neighboring country. The USGS warned of the likelihood of substantial casualties and extensive destruction resulting from the two powerful quakes.
