Venezuela Quake Toll Rises After Twin Shocks
At least 32 people have been killed and hundreds injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds, causing buildings to collapse and triggering a state of emergency across affected regions.
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises
Venezuela was hit by back-to-back earthquakes on Wednesday evening, with the first tremor measured at magnitude 7.2 and the second, stronger quake recorded at magnitude 7.5.
The United States Geological Survey said the second earthquake was the mainshock and had been preceded 39 seconds earlier by the 7.2-magnitude foreshock. Both quakes struck near the coastal town of Morón, west of Caracas, at shallow depths, increasing the risk of serious surface damage.
Caracas Earthquake Damage Reported
The tremors caused widespread panic in Caracas, where residents rushed into the streets as buildings shook and parts of several structures collapsed. Damage was also reported in areas including Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcón.
Authorities said the country’s main airport near Caracas was closed after suffering damage, while metro, rail and natural gas services were also suspended as a precaution. Schools were ordered shut, with some buildings expected to be used as shelters and donation centres.
Venezuela State Of Emergency Declared
A state of emergency has been declared as rescue teams continue searching damaged buildings for survivors. Officials have warned people to stay away from weakened structures because of the risk of aftershocks.
A tsunami warning issued after the earthquakes was later cancelled. Several countries have offered assistance, including search-and-rescue support, medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
The earthquakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century and have renewed concerns over the country’s seismic vulnerability along the boundary of the Caribbean and South American plates.
