Updated 55 mins ago - Science

2 powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela

Rebecca Falconer

Rubble from a collapsed building on a slope with rescue workers in orange vests and helmets and police scanning the debris; trees and urban buildings visible in the background. — Rescuers search for victims in a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, on Thursday. Photo: Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, damaging buildings in Caracas and across the country.

The big picture: The U.S. Geological Survey issued a red alert for "shaking-related fatalities and economic losses," warning that "high casualties and extensive damage" were probable after a magnitude 7.2 quake and, seconds later, a 7.5 tremor struck just over 100 miles west of Caracas.

The epicenter of the first earthquake was near Morón, a town on Venezuela's Caribbean coast, with a depth of 13.6 miles. The second earthquake, which also struck near Morón, had a depth of 6.2 miles.

State of play Officials reported extensive damage across Caracas and in several Venezuelan states.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez said on social media officials had declared a State of Emergency and she urged "all citizens to remain alert, safe, and as calm as possible."

What they're saying: U.S. officials have "mobilized a disaster assistance team and task force to deliver and coordinate critical assistance to the Venezuelan people," said Jeremy Lewin, under secretary for foreign assistance at the State Department, on X.

"Working with our partners in the interim Venezuelan government, the U.S. will be sending search and rescue teams, medical and humanitarian supplies and other resources in the crucial first days after this tragic natural disaster."

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.

Add Axios on Google

2 powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela

What to read next