Venezuela Hit by Severe Earthquakes, Declares State of Emergency

On Wednesday evening, two powerful earthquakes shook Venezuela, leading to structural damages and widespread panic among residents. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, highlighting the significant impact of the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes which occurred shortly after 6 p.m. While the extent of casualties and property damage was not specified, several states reported losses.

Buildings were evacuated in cities across the region, reaching as far as Brazil’s Amazon, approximately 1,700 kilometers from Caracas. Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas, the main airport of the country, sustained damages, prompting its closure. Subway and natural gas services in the capital were suspended, and school classes were canceled for several days to enable some buildings to serve as shelters and donation centers.

Rodríguez urged citizens to report damage using a government app and called for unity and calm. Health professionals were requested to assist in hospitals, underscoring the community’s need for medical support during this crisis.

The U.S. Geological Survey initially registered the first quake at a magnitude of 7.1, later adjusting it to 7.2. This quake’s epicenter was approximately 168 kilometers west of Caracas, along the Caribbean coast, with a depth of 22 kilometers. The second quake was recorded at a 7.5 magnitude, occurring just a minute later, about 16 kilometers southwest of Morón, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

In the coastal state of Falcon, Governor Víctor Clark reported 32 hospitalizations and 15 individuals trapped shortly after the quake.

International response included offers of assistance from countries such as the United States, Argentina, Brazil, and El Salvador. Jeremy P. Lewin from the U.S. State Department mentioned the deployment of aid teams and resources to coordinate emergency response efforts.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele expressed support and pledged aid. Brazil’s government also extended solidarity, noting no reported injuries among Brazilians.

In Caracas, the tremors forced people out of swaying buildings, rendering some structures uninhabitable with collapsed walls and debris blocking streets. Parts of the capital experienced power outages and disruption in cellphone services, intensifying the public’s distress.

Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado, speaking from exile, offered messages of resilience and solidarity to her fellow citizens.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello highlighted the widespread impact across multiple states. He encouraged citizens to allow emergency vehicles clear passage and advised remaining outdoors as aftershocks posed continued risks.

The quakes also influenced regions in Brazil and Colombia, without major reported damages or injuries in these areas. Despite Venezuela’s position near multiple fault lines, strong earthquakes remain a rarity due to its location between the South American and Caribbean plates.