Caracas : Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after a series of powerful earthquakes struck the country, causing widespread destruction, confirmed fatalities, and major disruption to infrastructure, according to officials.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed that emergency measures have been activated following the seismic events, which included strong tremors felt across multiple regions, including the capital Caracas and nearby coastal areas. She stated that rescue and relief operations have been mobilised as authorities assess the full extent of the damage.
According to preliminary reports, the earthquakes caused building collapses in several cities, triggering panic among residents who rushed into the streets. Emergency teams have been deployed to search for survivors trapped under rubble and to provide medical assistance to the injured.
Officials have confirmed that there have been fatalities, although the exact death toll has not yet been released. Hospitals in affected regions are reportedly operating under emergency conditions as they handle incoming casualties.
Key infrastructure, including transport and communication networks, has also been affected in parts of the country. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid damaged buildings and remain alert for possible aftershocks.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the earthquakes were strong enough to cause severe structural damage and warned of the possibility of significant casualties, depending on local conditions.
Venezuela, located in a seismically active zone, frequently experiences earthquakes due to tectonic movement in the region. Officials said the current priority remains search and rescue operations and restoring essential services in affected areas.