Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela's capital, Caracas, in quick succession on Wednesday evening, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency. Rescue workers and volunteers searched through rubble for survivors and helped residents evacuate from collapsed buildings.
Widespread Damage and Panic
Many evacuees remained outside for hours, visibly shaken as they looked on at buildings with entire walls torn away, exposing furniture and personal belongings to the street. 'Everything inside the house broke,' Caracas resident Patricia Parada said. 'All the glasses, everything fell, all the cups, everything.'
Rescue Efforts Underway
Emergency services, including firefighters and civil protection personnel, were deployed across the city to assess damage and assist those affected. At least one building was reported to have partially collapsed, and several others sustained structural damage. Authorities urged residents to remain calm and avoid returning to unsafe structures.
Impact on Infrastructure
The earthquakes caused power outages in some neighborhoods and disrupted communication networks. Hospitals were put on alert, and schools were closed as a precaution. The full extent of casualties and property damage is still being assessed, but officials have confirmed multiple injuries.
