Caracas, June 25 (QNA) - Venezuelan authorities declared a state of emergency in the country following two powerful earthquakes that struck the capital, Caracas, causing significant material damage and forcing the closure of Maiquetia International Airport.

In a televised address, Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez stated that two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, followed by approximately 20 aftershocks, caused the collapse of several buildings in the capital and severely damaged the infrastructure of the airport, necessitating its closure.

Rodriguez extended her condolences to the families of the victims, affirming that authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage while carrying out emergency response and relief operations in the affected areas.

The US Geological Survey had earlier reported that a powerful earthquake struck Venezuela, triggering panic in Caracas, while residents in neighboring Colombia also felt the tremor. (QNA)