Two back-to-back earthquakes rock central Venezuela, many casualties expected

Two powerful earthquakes struck central Venezuela in quick succession, causing widespread destruction, damaging infrastructure, and triggering a state of emergency.

Two major earthquakes hit central Venezuela on Wednesday, causing extensive damage across affected areas, including the capital, Caracas.

According to a US seismic monitoring agency, the tremors measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude.

Residents reported collapsed structures and widespread power outages following the back-to-back quakes.

Authorities declared a state of emergency as rescue and assessment efforts got underway.

The US Geological Survey warned of “high casualties” as the full scale of the disaster continued to emerge.

Significant damage was reported in Caracas and other parts of the South American country, though officials had not yet released a comprehensive casualty count.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez  announced a nationwide state of emergency, while expressing condolences to the victims' families.

She did not provide an official death toll.

Emergency teams continued to comb through the wreckage of collapsed apartment blocks and other damaged structures in search of survivors.

Authorities warned that casualty figures could rise as rescue operations progressed.

The US Geological Survey said the “disaster is likely widespread” and cautioned that the earthquakes could result in significant loss of life and severe damage.

The tremors struck at 6:04 p.m. local time on a national holiday, when many residents were likely at home.

Centered west of Caracas, the earthquakes were felt across much of Venezuela and reportedly as far away as Bogotá, Colombia.

Witnesses described scenes of panic and devastation.

One Caracas resident who had lived through the capital's 1967 earthquake said the latest shocks were unlike anything he had previously experienced.

Another survivor who fled a damaged building said “the scene was like a horror movie.”

Officials reported widespread disruption to essential services and transportation networks.

Gas supplies were suspended in affected areas as a precaution, while water service was interrupted in parts of Caracas and several northern states.

Power outages were reported in the capital and the coastal state of La Guaira, although most of the national electricity grid remained operational.

Subway and rail systems were halted to facilitate emergency operations, and Simón Bolívar International Airport was closed after sustaining major damage.

Schools were ordered shut for the remainder of the week.

Messages of support poured in from across Latin America while Washington has also claimed readiness to offer help to Caracas.

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