Two Powerful Earthquakes Strike Venezuela Within a Minute, Killing 32 and Injuring Over 700
Back to back earthquakes triggered widespread destruction across Venezuela, with rescue teams racing to find survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.
Caracas: Venezuela was rocked by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday evening, causing extensive damage and loss of life across several parts of the country. Authorities have confirmed at least 32 deaths and more than 700 injuries, while warning that the toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
According to reports from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake struck at 6:04 pm local time with a magnitude of 7.2. Just 39 seconds later, a second and even stronger quake measuring 7.5 hit the same region, significantly increasing the scale of destruction.
Both earthquakes were centred near the town of Veroes in Yaracuy State. The first quake occurred at a depth of 22 kilometres, while the second was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres.
Following the disaster, acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency and ordered all government agencies to mobilise resources for rescue and relief efforts.
The tremors were felt across a vast area, with reports indicating that buildings shook as far away as Brazil’s Amazon region, nearly 1,700 kilometres from the epicentre.
One of the worst affected areas was Altamira, an upscale district of the capital Caracas, where a 22 storey residential tower reportedly collapsed completely. Authorities fear that dozens of people may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Speaking on state television, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said firefighters, police personnel and civil defence teams had been placed on high alert and search and rescue operations were underway.
The country’s main aviation hub, Simón Bolívar International Airport, also suffered significant damage. Officials suspended all domestic and international flights and temporarily closed the airport.
Rescue efforts have been complicated by widespread power outages and disruptions to mobile communication networks across the country.
Several nations, including China, France and El Salvador, have offered emergency assistance, rescue specialists and humanitarian aid to support Venezuela’s recovery efforts.