New Delhi : At least 32 people were killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela on Thursday, according to Interim President Delcy Rodriguez. Rescue teams are still searching through collapsed buildings for survivors. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as emergency workers reach more affected areas. The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.2, struck about 160 kilometres west of Caracas. Less than a minute later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake hit, causing major damage in and around the capital city.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the disaster could have serious humanitarian consequences and warned that casualties and damage could be widespread. President Rodriguez declared a state of emergency and asked international organisations for financial help to support relief and rebuilding efforts. Rescue workers continued operations late into the evening as families gathered near damaged buildings, hoping for news of loved ones trapped under the rubble.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the government had deployed all available resources to deal with the disaster. He said many buildings and homes had collapsed and authorities were providing security and emergency assistance. In Caracas’ Chacao district, Mayor Gustavo Duque said several buildings had fallen. Rescue teams saved 18 people from one damaged building. He urged residents to stay in open areas because of the risk of aftershocks.
Elsewhere, Falcon state Governor Victor Clark said 22 people were injured and 15 adults were still missing. The earthquakes struck during a public holiday, meaning many people were at home when the shaking began. Hospitals in Caracas prepared for a large number of injured people. Staff at Hospital de Clinicas were asked to double the night shift to help treat patients. Rodriguez also said Venezuela’s main airport at Maiquetia was closed after suffering damage, and schools would remain shut for the rest of the week.
There were no immediate reports of damage to Venezuela’s oil facilities, although energy companies began checking their operations and employees. A tsunami warning issued for Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands was later cancelled about an hour after it was announced.
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