Powerful Twin Earthquakes Rock Venezuela, Trigger Rescue Efforts And Widespread Damage
Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday afternoon, causing significant damage in and around the capital Caracas, trapping residents under collapsed structures and prompting authorities to launch large-scale rescue operations.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck roughly 160 kilometres west of Caracas and was followed less than a minute later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor. The back-to-back quakes were felt across large parts of the country, sending people rushing into the streets as buildings shook violently.
The USGS warned that the disaster could have severe humanitarian consequences, saying widespread damage and a high number of casualties were possible. Preliminary assessments suggested the impact could be extensive, although authorities had yet to release an official nationwide toll.
Government Declares Emergency Response
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez expressed condolences to families affected by the disaster and said the government would move to declare a state of emergency. She added that assistance from international and multilateral organisations would be sought to support recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Emergency teams were deployed across affected areas as officials worked to assess the scale of destruction and search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said authorities were responding with all available resources, including security personnel and civil protection teams, as reports of structural collapses emerged from several regions.
Rescue Operations Underway In Caracas
Videos circulating from Caracas showed emergency responders combing through piles of rubble after several buildings partially or completely collapsed.
Gustavo Duque, mayor of the Chacao municipality, said rescue workers had already pulled multiple survivors from damaged structures. He urged residents to remain cautious and gather in open public spaces amid concerns over possible aftershocks.
Authorities continued searching for missing individuals as rescue efforts extended into the night.
In Falcon state, officials reported dozens of injuries and confirmed that search operations were underway for several people who remained unaccounted for.
Residents Describe Scenes Of Panic
The earthquakes struck during a national holiday, when many Venezuelans were at home with their families.
Residents across Caracas described moments of panic as buildings swayed and household items crashed to the floor.
Many said they immediately evacuated apartment blocks and offices, while others relied on emergency responders and police officers to help them reach safety.
Several residents compared the experience to some of the country’s most destructive earthquakes, saying the intensity of the shaking was unlike anything they had previously experienced.
Infrastructure Disruptions Reported
Authorities reported damage to a number of buildings across the capital, including visible structural and façade damage in some areas.
Hospitals activated emergency protocols and called in additional medical staff to prepare for an influx of injured patients.
The country’s largest airport, located in Maiquetia north of Caracas, was temporarily shut down after sustaining damage. Officials also suspended classes for the remainder of the week as safety inspections began.
Oil Sector Monitoring Impact
While Venezuela’s vital oil infrastructure did not immediately appear to suffer major damage, energy companies operating in the country began assessing facilities and accounting for personnel.
Industry sources said prolonged power outages could potentially affect crude production if electricity services are not restored quickly.
Tsunami Warning Later Lifted
Following the earthquakes, the US Tsunami Warning System briefly issued alerts for parts of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands. The warning was later withdrawn after further assessment.
Venezuela sits along a seismically active boundary where the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates meet, making the country vulnerable to major earthquakes.
As rescue operations continue and authorities work to determine the full extent of the damage, attention remains focused on locating survivors and restoring essential services in the affected regions.
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