CARACAS, June 25. /Dunyo IA/. Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, which occurred on the evening of June 24 about one minute apart, reports Dunyo IA correspondent, citing The Associated Press.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said this morning that at least 32 people have died as a result of the natural disaster, and around 700 have been injured. She noted that the number of victims is likely to rise as search and rescue operations continue.

According to the head of state, the coastal state of La Guaira suffered the most serious damage. “Dozens of buildings have collapsed and we are engaged in the arduous task of rescuing the lives that God allows us to save,” she said.

The earthquakes occurred shortly after 6:00 p.m. local time (3:00 a.m. June 25, Tashkent time). According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake, with a magnitude of 7.2, was recorded on the Caribbean coast of the country, about 168 kilometers from Caracas, at a depth of 22 kilometers. The second earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.5, occurred one minute later at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Delcy Rodríguez also reported damage in several states across the country. Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas was closed due to serious damage. Metro services and natural gas supply in the capital were also suspended. The Ministry of Education announced the cancellation of classes for several days, and some school buildings will be used as temporary shelters and humanitarian aid distribution points.

In the state of Falcón, Governor Víctor Clark reported that 32 people were hospitalized and 15 remained trapped under rubble several hours after the earthquakes.

Collapses, damage to power lines, and disruptions to electricity and mobile communications were reported in several areas. Authorities urged citizens to remain calm and stay outside buildings due to the risk of aftershocks.

The earthquakes were felt throughout Venezuela, as well as in Colombia and several cities in Brazil. The United States, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay, and other South American countries have expressed readiness to provide assistance to Venezuela.

It should be noted that Venezuela is located near several tectonic fault lines; however, strong earthquakes occur relatively rarely in the country. According to the US Geological Survey, most earthquakes in Latin America occur along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which accounts for about 90% of all earthquakes worldwide.

Photo credit: Reuters