Back-to-back powerful quakes level buildings in Caracas; acting president Delcy Rodriguez declares state of emergency

CARACAS — Two strong earthquakes — magnitude 7.2 and the other 7.5  struck Venezuela within a minute of each other on Wednesday, sending people fleeing outdoors in the capital Caracas, with emergency crews digging through the rubble of collapsed buildings into the evening.

The magnitude 7.2 foreshock struck near San Felipe, the capital of Yaracuy state, just after 6:04 PM ET. 40 seconds later, it was followed by the larger 7.5-magnitude mainshock, some 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare, also in Yaracuy state. 

The quakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century. 

State of emergency declared

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency, as nearly two dozen aftershocks also shook the country. Rodriguez extended her condolences to the families of those killed. She did not specify the number of fatalities.

Security forces were deployed across Venezuela to respond to emergencies given the risk of "many structures" collapsing, according to the Ministry of Communication and Information. 

Widespread destruction

Interior Minister Cabello said the quake could be felt in several states, adding that the Altamira neighborhood in Caracas had "alarming situations" with collapsed homes and buildings. He urged people to remain outside as aftershocks could further damage weakened structures. 

"We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most," Cabello said. 

"Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed." 

Parts of the capital lost power and cellphone signal. Collapsed buildings, toppled electric poles, and debris blocked streets. People evacuated swaying buildings and remained outside for hours, many visibly in shock as they saw entire walls that had collapsed, making furniture visible from the street. 

The quakes were also felt in Colombia's Caribbean and northeastern regions, though there were no reports of damage or injuries there. Buildings in Manaus, Belém, and Macapá in Brazil's Amazon were evacuated as well. 

Meanwhile, the USGS issued two separate red alerts through its PAGER system, a level it historically issues only once or twice a year. 

"Red alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread. Past red alerts have required a national or international response," the USGS alert read. 

A police officer in the Chacao municipality of Caracas warned that it was too soon to release any figures on deaths or injuries. The exact casualty toll remains unknown as search and rescue operations are ongoing. 

The National Weather Service Tsunami Warning Center initially warned of a tsunami threat to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and coasts within 300 kilometers of the epicenter. The warning was subsequently canceled. There is no ongoing tsunami threat, according to the US Tsunami Warning Centers. 

Information blackout

Venezuela has one of the most restricted media landscapes in the world, ranked 159 out of 180 on the Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index, making it difficult for residents and concerned relatives abroad to obtain accurate information about the damage and casualties. 

Exiled opposition leader Edmundo González said the internet blackout compounded the disaster. "Venezuelans from outside cannot know if their families are well. Those inside don't understand the magnitude of what happened. Uncertainty becomes another layer of anguish," González said. 

A public holiday turned tragic

Many Venezuelans were at home when the quakes struck, celebrating a public holiday commemorating an 1821 military victory that helped secure the country's independence from Spain. 

Search and rescue operations are ongoing. 

Authorities have not yet released an official casualty count. Updates are expected as emergency teams gain access to the worst-affected areas.

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