Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a nationwide state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes and a series of aftershocks struck the country, causing widespread damage, collapsing buildings and prompting fears of significant casualties.
The earthquakes, which struck within a minute of each other, destroyed several buildings, forced the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía due to infrastructure damage, and prompted authorities to suspend classes for several days.
While acknowledging fatalities, Rodríguez did not provide an official death toll or specify the number of people injured.
More than 20 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial earthquakes, raising concerns about additional structural damage and complicating rescue operations.
USGS estimates death toll
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck about 160 kilometres (100 miles) west of Caracas. Less than a minute later, a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake hit the same region.
The USGS warned that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable” and said the disaster was likely to be widespread. Initial estimates suggested the death toll could potentially range from 10,000 to 100,000 people.
Airport closed after infrastructure damage
Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas has been closed after sustaining what Rodríguez described as “serious damage” to its infrastructure.
The airport shutdown is expected to disrupt domestic and international travel as engineers assess the extent of the damage and begin repair work.
Emergency teams have been deployed across affected areas to search for people trapped beneath collapsed buildings and assess damage to critical infrastructure.
The mayor of Caracas’ Chacao district said rescue operations are continuing, with authorities searching damaged buildings and warning that the number of casualties could rise.
