Venezuela declares state of emergency after powerful twin quakes
Rescuers search for victims in a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026.(AFP)
Venezuela's interim leader declared a state of emergency on June 24 as two massive earthquakes caused buildings in the capital to crumble and forced the closure of the country's main airport, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to offer aid.
Delcy Rodriguez said 20 aftershocks had followed the earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, which struck the same area of Venezuela, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quakes triggered panic in the capital and drove people into the streets.
