On Wednesday evening, Venezuela was struck by a pair of massive earthquakes, resulting in dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries across the region. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed the devastation during a televised address, noting that the country is currently grappling with the aftermath of these seismic events.
The tremors began with an initial 7.2 magnitude quake, which was followed just seconds later by a second, 7.5 magnitude earthquake. These powerful shocks impacted the Venezuelan coastline, causing numerous buildings in the capital city of Caracas to collapse and prompting frightened residents to flee into the streets for safety.
As of early Thursday, emergency responders have been conducting intensive search and rescue operations to locate individuals trapped beneath the debris. Acting President Rodriguez has officially declared a state of emergency, specifically designating the state of La Guaira as a disaster zone. She reported that dozens of structures have been leveled in areas approximately 30 kilometers north of Caracas, where rescue teams are prioritizing life-saving efforts.
In addition to the destruction in La Guaira, significant damage has been reported throughout the capital and various other affected territories. Official figures from the president’s office currently indicate that at least 32 people have lost their lives, while more than 700 individuals have sustained injuries in the wake of the twin disasters.
