Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, triggering widespread panic, damaging infrastructure across several states, and forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes and workplaces as authorities scrambled to assess the scale of the disaster.
The back-to-back tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, were among the strongest earthquakes to hit the South American nation in more than a century. The quakes were felt across a vast region, including neighboring countries, prompting emergency responses and evacuations.
In a brief address to the nation late Wednesday, acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed that the earthquakes had caused damage in multiple states, although officials were still working to determine the full extent of the destruction.
"We urge our population to remain calm," Rodríguez said, appealing for unity as rescue teams and emergency personnel continued assessment and relief operations.
Authorities have not yet released figures on casualties, injuries, or the number of homes and buildings damaged. Search and rescue efforts remained underway overnight.
One of the most significant impacts was reported at Simón Bolívar International Airport, Venezuela's main aviation hub, which suffered substantial damage and was forced to suspend operations. The closure is expected to disrupt domestic and international travel as engineers evaluate the safety of airport facilities.
The government also announced the suspension of classes for several days to allow authorities to inspect schools and other public buildings and ensure the safety of students and staff.
In the capital city of Caracas, residents rushed into the streets as buildings swayed violently during the tremors. Several structures suffered visible damage, with collapsed walls exposing the interiors of homes and commercial buildings. Eyewitnesses reported seeing large clouds of dust rising above neighborhoods as debris fell onto streets below.
Restaurants, offices, and shopping areas that are typically crowded during evening hours were quickly evacuated as people sought open spaces away from buildings.
The impact of the earthquakes extended far beyond Venezuela's borders. According to reports, tremors were felt as far away as Brazil's Amazon region, approximately 1,700 kilometers from Caracas, where several buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
Emergency agencies have been deployed across affected regions, while engineers and disaster-response teams continue to inspect infrastructure, assess structural damage, and identify areas requiring urgent assistance.
As Venezuela confronts the aftermath of one of its most powerful seismic events in recent history, authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant, follow official guidance, and avoid damaged structures until safety inspections are completed.
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