Venezuela declares state of emergency after back-to-back earthquakes leave scores dead

Venezuela's leadership has declared a state of emergency following a pair of devastating earthquakes that struck with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, resulting in around 164 fatalities and nearly 1,000 injuries. The quakes, accompanied by more than 20 aftershocks, have caused significant infrastructure damage, including the closure of Caracas' main airport. This situation underscores the urgent need for international aid and relief efforts, highlighting the country's vulnerability to such natural disasters amidst ongoing socio-economic challenges.