Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes of each other on Wednesday, causing extensive damage in the capital Caracas, collapsing several buildings and sending frightened residents rushing into the streets.
The first earthquake, measuring 7.2 in magnitude, struck off Venezuela's Caribbean coast near Morón, about 168km west of Caracas, at a depth of 22km, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Less than a minute later, a second, stronger quake measuring 7.5 hit the same region.
In the aftermath, interim leader Delcy Rodriguez declared a nationwide state of emergency. She said the twin earthquakes were followed by at least 20 aftershocks and confirmed that the country's main airport, Maiquetia International Airport near Caracas, had been shut down after suffering significant structural damage.
The tremors triggered scenes of panic across the capital, with residents fleeing homes, offices and shopping centres. Witnesses described walls cracking, stairways breaking apart and debris falling from ceilings.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said authorities were still assessing the extent of the disaster. While no fatalities had been confirmed, several people were reported injured and multiple buildings had collapsed.
In Caracas's Altamira district, a 22-storey building was reduced to rubble, AFP reported. Rescue efforts were underway as volunteers searched through the debris while relatives called out for missing loved ones.
USGS said the second earthquake was part of a seismic "doublet," occurring just 39 seconds after the initial 7.2-magnitude foreshock. The first tremor struck about 21km west of Morón, while the second occurred roughly 45km away.
Authorities urged residents to evacuate damaged buildings and cut gas supplies to several structures as a safety measure to prevent further accidents, Cabello said.