Venezuela Declares Emergency After Twin Quakes; Japan Jolted by Magnitude 7

Venezuela's government declared a state of emergency on Wednesday evening after two powerful earthquakes struck the country in quick succession, collapsing buildings in the capital Caracas and other areas. The interim President, Delcy Rodríguez, announced the emergency as rescue workers searched through rubble for survivors.

The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.1, struck at a depth of 13 kilometres, with its epicentre west of the town of Moron, about 168 kilometres west of Caracas, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Minutes later, a second, larger earthquake of magnitude 7.5 hit at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre 16 kilometres southwest of Moron. The USGS described the sequence as a 'doublet event'.

The earthquakes caused several buildings in Caracas to sway, leading to evacuations. Entire walls of some structures collapsed, exposing furniture to the street. The mayor of the Chacao district reported fatalities but did not provide a specific figure. Tsunami alerts were issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

Separately, a magnitude 7 earthquake struck Japan off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, jolting the town of Hashikami in Aomori Prefecture. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi advised citizens to remain vigilant and instructed relevant agencies to provide timely and accurate information on evacuation and damage. However, he ruled out any risk of a tsunami.

Authorities in both countries continue to assess the full extent of the damage. The situation remains under close watch as aftershocks are expected.