Caracas:Two powerful earthquakes struck off Venezuela's Caribbean coast within seconds of each other on Wednesday evening, causing widespread panic, damaging buildings and forcing evacuations across several cities.
The first, magnitude 7.2 quake struck at a depth of 22 kilometres (14 miles), some 168 kilometres (105 miles) west of the coastal town of Morón, the US Geological Survey said. A second, stronger quake of magnitude 7.5 hit a minute later at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre southwest of Morón.
Multiple videos have surfaced showing the devastation across the country as the two quakes caused buildings to fall and residents to flee their homes in fear. The USGS estimates there could be thousands of deaths, but no official number has been published yet.
Buildings reduced to rubbleThe tremors were felt over a wide swathe and prompted evacuations in cities as far away as Brazil's Amazon region, nearly 1,700 kilometres from the epicentre. In Caracas, people spilled into the streets as buildings shook and walls collapsed and dust billowed from shattered buildings.
Hours after the quakes, there were no immediate reports from authorities of casualties or injuries. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez promised to address the nation, but the lack of updates drew condemnation from opposition leaders and anxious residents seeking information.
People waited outside for hours after dark, scared of aftershocks. In parts of the capital, roads were blocked by collapsed buildings, fallen power poles and debris, while some areas experienced power outages and disruptions to mobile phone services.
Chaos at Caracas airport, people run for coverDramatic videos of the chaos at Venezuela’s main airport circulated on social media as the powerful earthquakes struck. Lights flickered, clouds of dust filled parts of the airport and the building shook as passengers rushed out of the terminal with their luggage. Others took shelter inside the terminal, including underneath a food counter, as the tremors continued.
Emergency delcared in VenezuelaThe strength of the twin quakes, which were described as some of the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century, was evident in footage from homes and buildings across the country. One clip showed a living room violently shaking, a vase dropping on a table, a wall-mounted television shaking and furniture moving back and forth.
After the earthquakes, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency. The tremors caused extensive damage, the government said, which also declared the closure of the country’s main airport.
In an expression of solidarity, opposition leader María Corina Machado sent prayers and support to families affected by the disaster. In a message on X she called on Venezuelans to stay united and strong following the powerful earthquakes.