Venezuela hit by two powerful earthquakes; airport damaged, schools closed

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing significant damage across several states. According to the US Geological Survey, the first quake had a magnitude of 7.2, followed a minute later by an even stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor. The epicenter of the first quake was near the town of Morón, about 168 kilometers west of the capital Caracas, at a depth of 22 kilometers. The second quake's epicenter was 16 kilometers southwest of Morón, at a depth of 10 kilometers. These are among the strongest earthquakes to hit the region in more than a century.

Officials reported severe damage. The country's main airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport, was damaged enough to be closed. The Ministry of Education said schools would be closed for several days, and some would be used as shelters and donation centers. In the capital Caracas, buildings collapsed, power poles toppled, and streets were blocked by debris. Parts of the capital lost electricity and cell phone reception. Subway and natural gas services were suspended.

In the coastal state of Falcón, Governor Víctor Clark said 32 people had been hospitalized and 15 were still trapped under rubble more than four hours after the earthquake. No official death toll was given. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, in a brief address, urged the population to remain calm and united, and called on all healthcare professionals to report to hospitals. She declared a state of emergency and urged Venezuelans to report damage through a government app.

Residents evacuated swaying buildings and gathered in the streets, many in shock. Hector Ricci, a Caracas resident, described the quake starting gently and gradually intensifying, forcing everyone to leave their homes and gather outside. The tremors were felt as far away as Brazil's Amazon region, about 1,700 kilometers from Caracas.