CARACAS (special crosspondent) – Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, have struck Venezuela, causing widespread destruction across several regions and triggering a large-scale emergency response. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the tremors occurred within a short interval near the coastal city of Morón, approximately 168 kilometers west of the capital, Caracas.

Widespread Damage and Casualties

Venezuelan authorities have confirmed that at least 32 people have lost their lives and more than 700 have sustained injuries. The death toll is anticipated to rise as rescue teams continue their arduous search through collapsed buildings and debris. The seismic events inflicted severe damage in Caracas and surrounding states, including La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, and Carabobo. Numerous residential and commercial buildings crumbled, roads developed significant cracks, and critical infrastructure sustained considerable damage. Power outages, disruptions to water supply, and interruptions to public transportation services have been reported across multiple affected areas. Operations at Maiquetía International Airport were temporarily suspended due to reported structural damage.

Government Declares State of Emergency

In response to the disaster, the government has declared a state of emergency in the affected regions. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has appealed to residents to remain vigilant and to avoid damaged structures, citing the persistent risk of strong aftershocks. Rescue workers, firefighters, military personnel, and medical teams have been rapidly deployed throughout the disaster zone. Emergency crews are engaged in round-the-clock search-and-rescue operations, successfully extracting several survivors from the rubble.

International Aid Mobilized

International assistance is actively being mobilized to support Venezuela’s efforts. Nations including the United States, Mexico, Qatar, and the Dominican Republic have extended offers of humanitarian support. Specialized disaster response teams are also being prepared to provide further assistance to Venezuelan authorities. Seismologists have issued warnings, emphasizing that additional aftershocks could pose further risks to already weakened structures, thereby complicating ongoing rescue and recovery operations.