Venezuela is reeling after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction and a growing humanitarian emergency.Â
According to seismic monitoring agencies, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake was followed less than a minute later by a stronger 7.5 tremor, with both quakes centered near the Caribbean coast west of Caracas.
Authorities reported dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries shortly after the disaster, while rescue teams continued searching through collapsed buildings in Caracas and surrounding areas.Â
Officials warned that the death toll could rise significantly as emergency crews reach heavily damaged neighborhoods and assess the full extent of the destruction.
The earthquakes damaged homes, businesses, transportation infrastructure, and the country’s main international airport. Residents described scenes of panic as people fled swaying buildings and gathered in open areas amid fears of aftershocks. More than 30 aftershocks were recorded in the hours following the initial tremors.
The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency and mobilized military, medical, and civil defense personnel. Several countries have offered humanitarian assistance as rescue and recovery operations continue across affected regions.
