CARACAS, Jun 25: Venezuela has declared a nationwide state of emergency following two powerful earthquakes that struck within minutes of each other, causing widespread destruction across the capital Caracas and surrounding regions.
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, were among the strongest to hit the South American nation in more than a century. Buildings collapsed across residential neighbourhoods, highways developed major cracks and communication networks suffered extensive disruption.
Emergency officials confirmed that hundreds of people were killed while thousands sustained injuries. Rescue teams continued searching through collapsed buildings, fearing the death toll could rise significantly as operations progressed.
The earthquakes struck during evening hours, catching many residents inside homes, offices and shopping centres. Witnesses described violent shaking that lasted for nearly a minute before a second, even stronger earthquake struck shortly afterwards.
President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national emergency and ordered the full mobilisation of military personnel, civil defence units and emergency medical teams to assist affected communities.
Hospitals across Caracas and neighbouring states treated thousands of injured people suffering fractures, head injuries and crush wounds. Temporary medical camps were established after several healthcare facilities sustained structural damage.
Search-and-rescue teams equipped with heavy machinery, sniffer dogs and thermal imaging devices worked continuously to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Authorities urged residents to remain away from damaged structures because of continuing aftershocks that threatened already weakened buildings.
The country’s transportation network experienced severe disruption. Roads were blocked by debris while several bridges suffered structural damage. Power outages affected millions of households, and telecommunications services remained intermittent in many districts.
International humanitarian organisations quickly responded to the disaster. Several neighbouring countries offered rescue personnel, medical supplies, engineering teams and emergency shelters.
The United Nations and Red Cross coordinated humanitarian assistance while disaster management agencies assessed the scale of destruction.
India expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveying condolences and assuring all possible humanitarian assistance if required.
Geologists explained that the earthquakes resulted from tectonic activity along active fault systems in northern South America. Experts warned that strong aftershocks could continue for several days.
Economic analysts predicted substantial financial losses due to damage to residential buildings, transport infrastructure, businesses and public utilities. Insurance companies began preliminary assessments while engineers inspected critical infrastructure.
Schools, universities and government offices remained closed as authorities prioritised rescue operations and structural safety inspections.
The disaster has renewed calls for stronger earthquake resistant construction standards across Latin America, where several countries remain vulnerable to seismic activity.
Emergency officials urged citizens to follow evacuation instructions, prepare emergency kits and remain alert for official advisories as rescue efforts continued around the clock.
As Venezuela begins the long process of recovery, international assistance is expected to play a vital role in rebuilding infrastructure, restoring essential services and supporting thousands of displaced families affected by one of the country’s most destructive natural disasters in recent decades.