Venezuela declares state of emergency after twin 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes strike near Caracas

The seismic event

Two powerful earthquakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck central Venezuela on Wednesday evening, 39 seconds apart. The USGS classified the first as a foreshock and the second as the main shock, the strongest to hit the country since 1900. The epicenter of the first was about 200 km west of Caracas at a depth of 21.9 km; the second struck 45 km away at a depth of 10 km.

Immediate impact in Caracas

Buildings collapsed in the capital, including a 22-story residential tower. AFP journalists reported scenes of panic as rescuers pulled survivors from the rubble on stretchers and rushed them to ambulances. The Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía sustained damage and was temporarily closed.

Emergency response

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, flanked by her brother Jorge (president of parliament) and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, declared a state of emergency in a televised address. She offered condolences to the families of those killed but did not provide a casualty count. At least 20 strong aftershocks have been recorded.

USGS warning

The USGS warned that the double quake could cause large-scale destruction and thousands of deaths, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to as many as 100,000. No official death toll has been released by Venezuelan authorities.