Two powerful earthquakes cause massive devastation Venezuela, thousands feared dead
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening (Thursday morning, Indian Standard Time). According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), there is a 44% probability of more than 10,000 fatalities and a 30% probability of over 100,000 deaths.
First, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck, followed just seconds later by one measuring 7.5. Both quakes occurred approximately 290 kilometers west of the capital, Caracas.
According to local media, a section of the roof at Caracas Airport collapsed, sending up a massive cloud of dust. This is the strongest earthquake in the region in 126 years; the last major quake was a magnitude 7.7 event in 1900.
Buildings have been damaged in several cities, including Caracas. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a national emergency. So far, 32 deaths have been confirmed, and 700 people have been injured.
According to Rodriguez, Venezuela's main international airport has been shut down due to severe damage caused by the earthquake. Initial footage from the airport showed people running through the corridors, while large clouds of dust were seen falling from the ceilings during the tremors.
Several buildings have collapsed in the earthquake, and people have rushed out of their homes onto the streets. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has urged people to evacuate their homes.
The earthquake's epicenter was in the Montalbán area, west of Caracas.
More than 20 aftershocks recorded
More than 20 aftershocks have been recorded in Venezuela following the earthquakes that struck on Wednesday.
The most affected areas are along the country's northern coast, including La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcón.
Images emerging hours after the quake showed large numbers of people gathered on the streets of the capital, Caracas, after strong tremors were felt in their homes and power supplies were disrupted.
Some people were seen embracing their siblings and pets, while rescue workers continued searching for anyone trapped in the debris.
Tremors were also felt in several other Venezuelan states.
Venezuela's Interior Minister stated on state television that multiple states across the country had been affected by the earthquake.
Speaking to VTV by phone, he said, "All indications suggest that the magnitude was significantly higher than seven."
He added, "Strong tremors were felt in Trujillo, Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua, Miranda, Caracas, and La Guaira."
He further noted that the Palos Grandes and Altamira areas of the capital, Caracas, were the most severely affected.