Venezuela Struck by Two Major Earthquakes; Buildings Collapse and Injuries Reported

Two strong earthquakes struck near Venezuela's capital on Wednesday, causing buildings to collapse and trapping people under rubble. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude 7.2 earthquake about 160 kilometres west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor. These are among the strongest earthquakes to hit the country in over a century.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said in a national address that she would declare a state of emergency and request funds from multilateral organisations to support recovery efforts. "We extend our condolences to those who have unfortunately suffered the loss of a family member," she stated.

Local officials and witnesses reported collapsed buildings, rescue operations, and a growing number of injured individuals. Many Venezuelans were at home when the earthquakes struck during a public holiday marking the 1821 Battle of Carabobo, a key victory in the country's independence from Spain.

Residents across Caracas rushed to evacuate as buildings shook. Venezuela's largest airport, in Maiquetía on the coast north of Caracas, was closed due to damages. Emergency services were working at the sites of collapsed structures.

The USGS projected potential casualties in the thousands and noted that landslides had been triggered by the earthquake. Venezuela lies in a seismically active zone where the Caribbean Plate meets the South American Plate. Historically, an estimated 30,000 people were killed in a powerful earthquake in 1812 that destroyed parts of Mérida and Caracas.

Separately, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Japan shortly after the Venezuelan quakes, but no casualties or material damage were reported there.