Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez has declared a state of emergency after two earthquakes measuring 7.5 and 7.2 struck the country, triggering around 20 aftershocks and causing widespread structural damage across Caracas and other regions.
Speaking in a televised address, Rodríguez announced the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, which serves the capital, after the facility sustained infrastructure damage. Schools across several affected areas have also been suspended while authorities assess the scale of destruction.
Buildings have collapsed in Caracas. Aftershocks were still continuing at the time of the announcement, with emergency response teams mobilised across the country.
