Venezuela Declares State of Emergency After Twin Powerful Earthquakes Rock Capital

June 25 () — Venezuela has declared a nationwide state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes struck the country’s northern coast within seconds of each other, causing significant damage in the capital, Caracas, and triggering a large-scale emergency response.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the emergency measures in a televised address to the nation, describing the destruction as severe and confirming the suspension of key transportation services across affected areas.

The first earthquake, a magnitude 7.2 tremor recorded near San Felipe, was identified by the U.S.

Geological Survey (USGS) as a foreshock. Just 39 seconds later, a stronger 7.5 magnitude mainshock struck near Yumare, sending shockwaves across large parts of the country and sparking panic among residents.

The twin quakes caused widespread alarm in Caracas, where buildings were reported to have collapsed in several districts, forcing thousands of residents to flee into the streets.

Rodríguez said authorities had recorded at least 20 aftershocks following the initial earthquakes, raising concerns about further structural damage and complicating rescue operations.

She confirmed that Metro and rail services in Caracas had been suspended indefinitely while safety assessments were carried out.

The Maiquetía International Airport, Venezuela’s main international gateway, was also shut down after reports emerged of damage to airport facilities.

Images and videos circulating on social media showed collapsed and heavily damaged buildings, rescue workers searching through piles of rubble, and injured residents receiving treatment on roadsides and open spaces.

The USGS issued a “red alert” following the earthquakes, warning that high casualties and extensive damage were likely.

“High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread,” the agency stated.

According to the USGS, previous earthquakes that triggered red alerts often required substantial national and international emergency responses due to the scale of destruction involved.

The earthquakes also prompted fears of a tsunami across parts of the Caribbean coastline.

Authorities issued a tsunami advisory warning of potentially hazardous waves along coastlines within 300 kilometres of the earthquake’s epicentre. However, the advisory was later lifted after assessments indicated the threat had subsided.

International assistance efforts were already underway hours after the disaster.

The United States announced plans to deploy search-and-rescue teams and humanitarian support personnel to assist Venezuelan authorities.

In a statement posted on social media, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expressed solidarity with those affected by the disaster.

“The US stands with the Venezuelan people in the aftermath of this evening’s devastating earthquakes. We’re in touch with the authorities and mobilizing assistance,” he said.

Jeremy Lewin, the U.S. State Department’s Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, said Washington had activated a disaster assistance task force to coordinate relief operations.

“We have mobilized a disaster assistance team and task force to deliver and coordinate critical assistance to the Venezuelan people,” Lewin said.

He added that the United States would provide search-and-rescue personnel, medical supplies, humanitarian aid, and other emergency resources to support relief efforts during the critical early stages of the response.

A U.S. State Department official also confirmed that all personnel at the American embassy in Caracas had been accounted for and were safe.