Caracas, MINA – Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, declared a nationwide state of emergency late Wednesday after a pair of powerful earthquakes struck the country’s northern Caribbean coast, causing widespread destruction and triggering tsunami warnings across the region, according to Anadolu Agency.
The seismic nightmare began with a magnitude 7.2 foreshock near San Felipe, the capital of Yaracuy state. Just 40 seconds later, an even more powerful 7.5 tremor—the strongest to hit Venezuela in over 125 years—rocked the area southeast of Yumare. The U.S. Geological Survey said the main quake struck at a depth of about 10 kilometers, with its epicenter just west of the coastal town of Moron.
The capital, Caracas, was hit hard. Buildings shook violently, with some collapsing entirely. Videos shared on social media showed thick clouds of dust rising from commercial areas as facades crumbled and structures cracked. In the Altamira neighborhood, multi-story residential units partially collapsed, leaving furniture dangling in the open air.
“We have officially implemented a national state of emergency to streamline rescue resources,” Rodriguez said in a televised address. She also confirmed that Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia had been shut down indefinitely due to severe damage to its terminals and runways.
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Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said all emergency services—civil protection, volunteers, firefighters, and police—were fully deployed. He urged residents to stay outdoors and away from buildings, as aftershocks could still trigger further collapses.
The international community quickly rallied behind Venezuela. Rodriguez thanked the UN and several countries, including Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, Türkiye, Jordan, and the UK, for their offers of assistance. The United States also pledged support, with Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau saying, “The US stands with the Venezuelan people.” The US State Department said it was mobilizing search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies, and other humanitarian aid.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed deep concern and said he had instructed his foreign ministry to assess how Brazil could help. “We are committed to supporting the recovery of this brother country,” he said.
A tsunami threat was initially issued for Venezuela’s coast and nearby islands, but authorities were closely monitoring tide gauges for any unusual activity.[]
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