Venezuela Declares State of Emergency After Deadly Twin Earthquakes Kill 32

Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, has declared a state of emergency following twin earthquakes that killed at least 32 people, injured more than 700 others and caused significant damage to infrastructure across the country.

The emergency declaration came after two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude struck on Wednesday, triggering panic among residents, collapsing buildings and generating more than 20 aftershocks.

Authorities said the earthquakes caused widespread disruption, particularly in and around the capital, Caracas, where emergency responders have been deployed to search for survivors and assess structural damage.

Announcing the emergency measures, Rodriguez said the government was mobilising resources to support affected communities and coordinate disaster response efforts nationwide.

One of the most significant immediate impacts was the closure of Maiquetia International Airport, Venezuela's principal gateway for international travel.

According to Rodriguez, the airport sustained what she described as "serious damage" to its infrastructure, forcing authorities to suspend operations while safety assessments and repairs are carried out.

The closure is expected to disrupt both domestic and international travel as emergency teams work to evaluate the extent of the damage.

The twin earthquakes struck within a short period of each other and were followed by dozens of aftershocks, raising concerns among residents and emergency officials.

Witnesses reported scenes of panic as buildings shook violently, prompting people to flee homes, offices and commercial centres in search of safety.

Emergency crews have continued rescue and recovery operations in several affected areas amid fears that the casualty toll could rise.

Authorities confirmed that at least 32 people have died and more than 700 have been injured, making the disaster one of the deadliest seismic events to hit Venezuela in recent years.

Hospitals and emergency services have been placed on high alert as medical personnel work to treat the injured and support displaced residents.

Government agencies are also conducting inspections of roads, bridges, public facilities and residential buildings to determine the full extent of the destruction.

The earthquakes were felt across neighbouring countries, including Colombia, where authorities received hundreds of reports from residents who experienced tremors.

Despite the scale of the seismic activity, international monitoring agencies ruled out the risk of a tsunami.

The state of emergency grants authorities expanded powers to coordinate rescue operations, mobilise resources and accelerate recovery efforts in affected regions.

As rescue workers continue to search through damaged structures and communities begin assessing losses, the government faces the challenge of responding to both the immediate humanitarian needs and the longer-term rebuilding effort.

Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant, follow safety instructions and prepare for possible aftershocks as the country navigates the aftermath of the disaster.

AFP