Caracas, June 25: Venezuela’s acting President, Delcy Rodriguez, has declared a state of emergency after two significant earthquakes struck the South American nation, causing extensive damage.
Rodriguez took to social media platform X to announce, “Following the strong earthquakes that hit the country this afternoon, we have declared an emergency nationwide. We urge all citizens to stay alert, safe, and as calm as possible.”
She also reported that Macquetia Airport has been closed due to the damage caused by the earthquakes. Rodriguez assured the public that security agencies, medical services, and civil protection teams are deployed across the country for rescue and relief efforts.
The earthquakes, which occurred in quick succession, were felt strongly in the capital, Caracas. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude 7.1 quake at 10:04 GMT on Wednesday evening, followed by an even stronger 7.5 magnitude tremor just one minute later. Both quakes struck near the coastal city of Morón, approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas.
The earthquakes occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, increasing their potential danger. Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s Minister of Home Affairs, Justice, and Peace, stated that the quakes have caused damage across various cities in the country.
Cabello noted that several buildings in the eastern part of the Caracas metropolitan area collapsed, but he did not provide immediate information on casualties or injuries. The USGS estimates that the death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000.
He urged Venezuelans to avoid staying inside buildings in the coming hours due to the risk of aftershocks causing further collapses. People are advised to remain outside their homes and stay calm while uniting to cope with the aftermath of the earthquakes.
Meanwhile, Colombian media reported that the tremors were also felt in several cities across neighboring Colombia.
In a separate incident, a strong 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Japan on Thursday morning, causing significant disruption in the region and temporarily halting transport services. However, local media reports indicate that officials have stated there is no tsunami threat.
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