Caracas: Venezuela has been rocked by two powerful earthquakes in quick succession, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, and claiming at least 32 lives in one of the country’s deadliest seismic events in recent years.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.2, struck west of Morón, approximately 168 kilometres (104 miles) west of the capital Caracas. Barely a minute later, a second and even stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit the same region, intensifying the destruction and triggering panic across the country.

The twin tremors severely affected Caracas, where several buildings reportedly collapsed or sustained major structural damage. Emergency responders have been deployed across affected areas as rescue operations continue amid fears that people may still be trapped under debris.

The USGS has warned that high casualties and extensive damage are probable, describing the event as a disaster likely to have widespread humanitarian consequences.

In response to the crisis, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, mobilising national disaster response agencies and security forces. Authorities have also announced the temporary closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas after infrastructure damage raised safety concerns.

The Ministry of Education suspended classes nationwide and confirmed that several schools would be converted into emergency shelters and relief centres for families displaced by the disaster. The move is aimed at providing temporary accommodation, food, and medical assistance to those affected.

Hospitals and emergency services have been placed on high alert as aftershocks remain a possibility. Officials have urged residents to avoid damaged buildings, remain vigilant, and follow instructions issued by civil protection authorities.

Relief efforts are underway as the government assesses the full extent of the destruction. Search-and-rescue teams continue combing affected areas while engineers inspect critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings.

The earthquakes have renewed concerns about seismic preparedness in the region, highlighting the vulnerability of densely populated urban centres to major geological events. Authorities have appealed for calm while emphasizing that rescue operations and humanitarian assistance remain the immediate priority.

The death toll and damage estimates are expected to rise as communication is restored in affected regions and rescue teams gain access to heavily impacted areas.(Agencies)