Caracas, June 25: Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes within a minute on Thursday, prompting authorities to declare a nationwide state of emergency amid fears of massive casualties.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake measured 7.2 in magnitude and hit off the Caribbean coast near Morón, approximately 168 kilometers west of the capital, Caracas. The earthquake struck at a depth of 22 kilometers.
Just one minute later, a second, even stronger earthquake measuring 7.5 struck at a shallower depth of 10 kilometers, with its epicenter located about 16 kilometers southwest of Morón.
The twin tremors caused severe destruction in Caracas, where several buildings reportedly collapsed, triggering panic among residents. Emergency teams have been deployed to the affected areas as rescue operations continue.
USGS estimates suggest that the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000, although Venezuelan authorities have yet to release any official casualty figures.
Following the disaster, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency across the country. She also confirmed that Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía has been shut down after suffering significant structural damage.
The full scale of the devastation remains unclear as aftershocks continue and communication disruptions hamper relief efforts.
