Venezuela Declares State Of Emergency Following Earthquake – Acting President

MOSCOW, June 25 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- Venezuela has declared a state of emergency following a strong earthquake, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez said, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

On Wednesday, the United States (US) Geological Survey said that two powerful earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela.

The quakes occurred 16 kilometres (km) from the city of Moron and 24 km from San Felipe.

“We are declaring a state of emergency, as provided for in our constitution,” Rodriguez said in a video address on Wednesday night.

Venezuela's main airport, Maiquetia, is closed due to severe damage, she added.

“There are states that have been particularly hard hit. In the capital, Caracas, buildings have collapsed in various areas. The states of Miranda and La Guaira have also suffered significant damage [as well as] the states of Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcon,” Rodriguez noted.

She added that 20 aftershocks have already been recorded following two earthquakes.

“I want to thank the governments of the world that immediately contacted Venezuela after the earthquakes to express solidarity and support,” Rodriguez said.

According to her, the US, Panama, Qatar, Cuba, Nicaragua, Turkey, Jordan, Colombia, Barbados, the United Kingdom (UK), Brazil, and Mexico immediately expressed their support for Venezuela.

Representatives of the United Nations (UN) and international financial institutions also reportedly contacted the Venezuelan government and expressed their readiness to assist in overcoming the consequences of the natural disaster.

-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI