Powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread damage, collapsing buildings and sending panicked residents into the streets.
The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes roiled the region, with buildings evacuated in cities as far away as Brazil’s Amazon, about 1,050 miles from Caracas.
In a brief address to the nation late on Wednesday, acting president Delcy Rodriguez said the earthquakes caused damage in several states, but she did not give any figures on the number of homes and buildings affected, or on injuries or fatalities.
The earthquakes damaged the country’s main airport, Simon Bolivar International Airport, severely enough to lead to its closure, she said, adding that classes were being cancelled for several days.
“We urge our population to remain calm,” Ms Rodriguez said. “We urge unity.”
Ms Rodriguez also asked all healthcare professionals in the country to report to hospitals to assist anyone who was injured.
The Ministry of Education said some schools would be used as shelters and donation centres.
In the coastal state of Falcon, Governor Víctor Clark said 32 people were in hospital and more than four hours after the earthquake, there were still 15 people trapped.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) initially said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, later revising that to 7.2.
Its epicentre was west of the community of Moron, located along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 1,104 miles west of Caracas.
The quake had a depth of 13.6 miles.
The USGS reported an even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake just a minute later. The second quake had a depth of 6.2 miles and its epicentre was 10 miles southwest of Moron.
The quakes, among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century, struck shortly after 6pm.
People evacuated swaying buildings in the capital, Caracas, many visibly shocked as they saw entire walls that had collapsed, making furniture visible from the street.
Dust columns could also be seen in two neighbourhoods of the capital, where restaurants and other businesses are typically busy.
People remained on the streets for hours, even after sunset. Some sat on the ground, hugging their pets as dust gathered around them. Collapsed buildings, toppled electric poles and debris blocked streets.
Parts of the capital lost power and cellphone signal.
“It started off gently and then gradually grew, and in the end, we all had to leave our houses, go outside and gather together,” Caracas resident Hector Ricci said.
Ms Rodriguez, who declared a state of emergency, said subway and natural gas services in Caracas were cancelled. She also urged Venezuelans to report any damage through a government app.
The lack of cellphone signal in parts of Venezuela deepened the distress of many families, particularly those among the more than 7.7 million people who have left the country during its protracted crisis.
Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, in exile after leaving Venezuela in December, sent prayers and wish strength to Venezuelans.
“May strength, serenity, and solidarity prevail among us in the face of this difficult time,” she said on X.