Venezuela earthquake kills 32, over 700 injured
Live Events President declares state of emergency Main airport shut Citizens rush into the streets Tsunami alert withdrawn US mobilizing assistance for Venezuela after earthquakes
Live Events President declares state of emergency Main airport shut Citizens rush into the streets Tsunami alert withdrawn US mobilizing assistance for Venezuela after earthquakes as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Addas a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Strong earthquakes struck west of Venezuela's capital Caracas on Wednesday afternoon, leading to building collapse and heavy damage to infrastructure. The tremors have prompted scientists to warn of potentially heavy casualties and widespread destruction across the South American country. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez declared that 32 people have lost their lives in the serious tremors while 700 others were injured.A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 km (100 miles) west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by another tremor of magnitude 7.5. The earthquakes were followed by 20 aftershocks that further worsened the situation.Rodriguez said that dozens of buildings collapsed in La Guaira as rescuers from other countries are set to arrive in Venezuela in the coming hours."High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread," the USGS said, initially estimating the death toll would most likely range from 10,000 to 100,000."We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security, civil assistance," Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state television as quoted by Reuters.
"The fire department, police all have been activated."Video footage showed emergency workers climbing through the ruins of a collapsed building in the capital.Leader Rodriguez declared a state of emergency on Wednesday after two massive earthquakes caused buildings in the capital to crumble.In a televised address, Rodriguez confirmed that lives had been lost in the disaster, saying she extended her condolences to those who have "sadly suffered the loss of a family member." She did not specify the number of deaths.Venezuelan Opposition Politician Edmundo Gonzalez said two consecutive earthquakes have caused significant damage in Venezuela."Two consecutive earthquakes have caused significant damage in Venezuela. Collapsed structures. Panic in the streets. Two hours later, we still don't know if there are victims or fatalities," he said in a post on X.Rodriguez announced that the massive earthquakes have led to the closure of the country's main airport.The Maiquetia International Airport, located near Caracas, was closed due to "serious damage" to its infrastructure, Rodriguez said.Several Venezuelans were at their residence when the earthquakes struck during a public holiday marking an 1821 military victory that helped secure the country's independence from Spain."As soon as it started, we began hearing people screaming," Astrid Ramirez, a 41-year-old publicist in western Caracas told Reuters.
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