Venezuela has declared a state of emergency following two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale. Initial reports indicate that at least 32 people have lost their lives and more than 700 have been injured, with widespread destruction noted in the capital, Caracas, and surrounding areas.
Extent of the Damage
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez stated that authorities are still assessing the full scale of the damage, emphasizing that La Guaira state, located near Caracas, has been one of the hardest-hit regions. In response to the devastation, Simón Bolívar International Airport has been shut down due to severe infrastructure damage.
Details of the Earthquakes
According to the United States Geological Survey, the first earthquake struck at a depth of 21.9 kilometers and approximately 200 kilometers from Caracas. This was followed by a second quake 39 seconds later, recorded at a magnitude of 7.5 and a depth of 10 kilometers, along with about twenty aftershocks. The agency characterized this incident as a “double earthquake,” warning of potentially catastrophic consequences as the number of casualties and damage reports are expected to rise.
Emergency Response
Rescue efforts are underway in Caracas, where several buildings have collapsed. Emergency teams and volunteers are working tirelessly to free those trapped under rubble, as appeals for lighting equipment grow louder with nightfall approaching. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has urged residents to evacuate damaged structures and has cut off gas supplies to several facilities as a precaution to prevent further incidents.
International Assistance Offered
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed readiness to provide humanitarian aid, instructing federal agencies to prepare for swift action to support Venezuela in its time of crisis.
Panic and Precautions
The tremors have incited panic among residents, many of whom have spent hours in the streets fearing more aftershocks. Power outages have been reported, and shattered glass littered several cities. The tremors were felt beyond Venezuela, with news that residents in Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, also experienced the earthquake. Colombian authorities have confirmed that there is no tsunami risk for the Caribbean coast.
