CARACUS: Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck near the capital, Caracas, within seconds of each other, causing widespread damage and the collapse of several multi-storey buildings.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the emergency measures after the first earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.2, was followed moments later by a stronger 7.5 tremor.
Rescue teams have been deployed across affected areas and are searching through the rubble for survivors. Authorities have also closed the country’s main international airport after it suffered significant structural damage during the earthquakes.
Rodríguez offered condolences to those affected but did not provide details on the number of casu