Severe back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, leaving widespread damage in their wake. The 7.2-magnitude first quake and the 7.5-magnitude second quake hit west of Caracas, causing buildings to collapse and sending panicked residents into the streets. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, canceling subway and natural gas services.
The earthquakes damaged the country’s main airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport, and forced its closure. Classes were canceled for several days. Authorities reported 32 people hospitalized and 15 still trapped in the coastal state of Falcon.
International leaders offered support to Venezuela, with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau saying “We stand with the Venezuelan people” on social media. Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa also pledged aid, calling it a “moment that demands humanity must guide our actions.”
Source: https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-earthquake-caracas-7179acaee70a9c543f953852f15d4814