Venezuela Declares Emergency After Twin Earthquakes

Venezuela declared a state of emergency after experiencing two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, as reported by the US Geological Survey. The first earthquake struck at 6:04 PM local time, with its epicenter located 24 kilometers east of San Felipe, at a depth of 21.9 kilometers.

The second tremor occurred shortly after, near Puerto Cabello. Delcy Rodríguez, the Vice President of Venezuela, announced the emergency in a televised address, highlighting the severe consequences of the disasters, although the extent of damage and potential death toll were not immediately disclosed.

Rescue efforts are the top priority, with search operations launched for individuals potentially trapped in collapsed structures. Diosdado Cabello, the Interior Minister, urged residents to seek shelter.

The earthquakes were felt across at least seven states, and precautionary measures were ordered to mitigate risks of further collapses and explosions.