By: The Trek News Desk
Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday evening, triggering widespread destruction across the country and leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured. The twin quakes caused severe damage in the capital city of Caracas, where several residential and commercial buildings suffered partial or complete collapse.
According to preliminary reports, at least 32 people have lost their lives, while more than 700 others have been injured as emergency teams continue rescue and recovery operations in affected regions.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the first earthquake, measuring 7.1 in magnitude, struck shortly after 6 p.m. local time. Its epicentre was located west of Morón, a coastal city along Venezuela’s Caribbean shoreline, at a depth of approximately 22 kilometres.
Just one minute later, a second and stronger earthquake measuring 7.5 magnitude shook the region. The second tremor originated at a shallower depth of around 10 kilometres, with its epicentre situated southwest of Morón.
Residents across Caracas rushed out of homes, offices, and shopping centres as buildings swayed violently during the earthquakes. Several structures suffered significant damage, with walls collapsing and debris spilling onto city streets. In some neighbourhoods, large clouds of dust filled the air as damaged buildings crumbled.
Witnesses reported scenes of panic as people gathered in open spaces long after sunset, fearing additional aftershocks. Many families remained outdoors with their pets, unwilling to return to potentially unsafe buildings.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the earthquakes were felt across multiple states. He identified the Altamira district of Caracas as one of the hardest-hit areas, where numerous homes and buildings reportedly collapsed.
Officials have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and keep roads clear for ambulances, firefighters, and emergency responders. Search-and-rescue teams continue to work through damaged neighbourhoods in an effort to locate survivors and provide medical assistance to the injured.
Seismologists believe the back-to-back earthquakes rank among the most powerful to hit Venezuela in over a century. Authorities caution that the death toll and injury count could rise further as assessment teams reach additional affected areas and gather more information about the extent of the devastation.
The Venezuelan government has mobilised emergency resources and relief efforts, focusing on providing shelter, medical care, and support to communities impacted by the disaster.
Source: News Agencies
