A powerful earthquake hit Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon, causing buildings to collapse and trapping people under rubble. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude 7.2 quake about 160 kilometers west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor. Nearly two dozen aftershocks were recorded.
State of Emergency Declared
Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, declared a state of emergency after the earthquakes. The Maiquetia airport near Caracas was closed due to damage. Video footage showed the moment the earthquake rocked the airport, with people shouting 'It's shaking!' as the building trembled.
Impact and Response
Scientists warned of heavy casualties and widespread destruction across the country. Rescue operations began immediately to search for survivors trapped in collapsed structures. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
