Caracas [Venezuela]: Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a state of emergency after Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday, with authorities confirming fatalities and rescue operations underway across affected areas, according to CNN.
In a televised address on Wednesday (local time), Rodriguez confirmed that lives had been lost in the disaster, extending condolences to those who had “sadly suffered the loss of a family member.” She did not specify the number of casualties.
According to CNN, emergency response teams have been deployed to search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings and damaged structures following the earthquakes.
The Venezuelan capital, Caracas, was hit by two major earthquakes that struck the same area on Wednesday evening, causing buildings to collapse, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
It is estimated that the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000.
According to the agency, the first earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.2, struck near San Felipe, about 284 kilometres west of Caracas, at 22:04 GMT.
It was followed almost immediately by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake near Yumare, about 293 kilometres west of the capital.
“High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread,” the USGS said.
In a post on X, Rodriguez said, “Attention: shortly I will address Venezuelans to report on the situation following the strong earthquake that has affected our country.”
The United States Embassy in Caracas said it was closely monitoring the aftermath of the disaster.
In a post on X, the embassy advised American citizens in Venezuela to monitor official updates, avoid damaged areas, stay out of unsafe buildings, follow local media reports and seek secure shelter.
US Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar expressed solidarity with those affected.
“Today my prayer is with the Venezuelan people. May God embrace the families affected by the earthquake, give strength to those facing pain, and protect every rescuer who today fights to save lives. Venezuela has demonstrated time and again the strength of its people. With faith and with God’s help, it will also overcome this harsh trial,” she said on X.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele also offered support, saying, “Our hearts are with the people of Venezuela during these difficult times. We send them all our solidarity and our prayers. Strength Venezuela.”
Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González said two consecutive earthquakes had caused significant damage across the country.
“Two consecutive earthquakes have caused significant damage in Venezuela. Collapsed structures. Panic in the streets. Two hours later, we still don’t know if there are victims or fatalities,” he wrote on X.
Nobel laureate María Corina Machado also offered prayers for the safety of Venezuelans.
“My heart, my infinite embrace, and my prayers are with every Venezuelan home in these hours of anguish. May strength, serenity, and solidarity prevail among us in the face of this difficult moment. May God protect every Venezuelan, our families, and our homes. Today, more united than ever,” she said in a post on X.
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