Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, resulting in significant damage and prompting a government declaration of a state of emergency. The first quake, measured at magnitude 7.2 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), occurred west of the coastal town of Morón at a depth of 22 kilometers. The second quake followed within minutes, compounding the impact on affected areas.

The tremors caused buildings to collapse, leaving residents trapped beneath the rubble and leading to widespread disruption of infrastructure. Emergency responders have been mobilized to search for survivors and provide aid to those injured or displaced.

Officials have not yet released a comprehensive casualty count, but reports indicate multiple injuries and fatalities. The government’s state of emergency declaration is intended to facilitate response efforts and allocate resources more effectively in the wake of the disaster.

The earthquakes underscore the seismic risks facing Venezuela, particularly in regions near tectonic fault lines. Local authorities and international agencies continue to assess the extent of damage while coordinating relief operations to support affected communities.