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Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, was violently shaken by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday evening — among the strongest in the country’s history — causing widespread destruction, including serious damage to the main international airport and the collapse of multiple large buildings.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 7.5 “mainshock” preceded by a 7.2 foreshock just 39 seconds earlier. The epicenter was located west of Moron along the Caribbean coast, about 104 miles from Caracas, at a shallow depth of 8 miles. The quakes struck shortly after 6 p.m. local time, triggering scenes of chaos as residents fled into the streets.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello described “very alarming” scenes of collapsed buildings and homes, warning that aftershocks could bring down more damaged structures. He urged citizens to remain outdoors and stay calm.

Videos circulating on social media showed passengers at Maiquetía’s Simón Bolívar International Airport running through corridors to escape falling debris, while thick plumes of dust rose over the city. In upscale neighborhoods like Altamira — home to many foreign embassies — at least three buildings were reported collapsed, with rescue efforts underway to free people trapped in the rubble.

One man was seen weeping outside a destroyed structure, calling out for his grandmother. In other areas, civil defense teams used stretchers to carry victims from landslides and shattered buildings. The death toll and full extent of injuries were still unclear as of late Wednesday, but officials confirmed multiple casualties and ongoing search operations.

This double earthquake has delivered a devastating blow to an already struggling Venezuela, compounding challenges from recent political turmoil and U.S. military actions earlier this year. The destruction at the country’s primary international airport and in densely populated areas like La Guaira has raised immediate concerns about infrastructure resilience and the government’s ability to respond effectively.

For ordinary Venezuelans, the event is another harsh reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters amid years of economic and political instability. As rescue teams continue working through the night and aftershocks remain a threat, the focus is on saving lives and assessing the full scale of the damage in one of the most seismically active regions of South America.

The coming hours and days will be critical as the nation grapples with this sudden crisis.