Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, damaging buildings in Caracas and across the nation. The U.S. Geological Survey issued a red alert for probable fatalities and extensive damage after a magnitude 7.2 quake was followed seconds later by a 7.5 tremor just over 100 miles west of the capital.
The first earthquake's epicenter was near Morón on the Caribbean coast at a depth of 13.6 miles, while the second struck the same area at 6.2 miles deep. Officials reported extensive damage in Caracas and several Venezuelan states, though the full scope remains unclear.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a State of Emergency on social media, urging citizens to stay calm and alert. The U.S. responded quickly: Jeremy Lewin, under secretary for foreign assistance, said on X that a disaster assistance team and task force have been mobilized to coordinate aid.
The situation remains fluid, with rescue efforts likely hampered by the country's fragile infrastructure and political tensions. Neighboring nations have been put on notice for potential aftershocks. The red alert signals significant humanitarian needs in the coming days.
No casualty figures have been released yet. The interim Venezuelan government has not issued a statement, and communication blackouts in some affected areas are complicating assessments.