Venezuela declares state of emergency after powerful twin earthquakes; Maiquetia airport closed
Back-to-back powerful earthquakes slammed Venezuela on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas and leaving residents shaken. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency as the quakes also forced the closure of the country’s main airport, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to offer aid.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1 and its epicentre was west of the community of Morón, located along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometres (104 miles) west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 22 kilometers.
It remained unknown if there were fatalities, but some people were injured and buildings had collapsed, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said.
Read more
