At least 164 people were killed and 971 injured in Venezuela after two very powerful earthquakes struck the country’s northern coast on Wednesday afternoon, causing widespread building collapses and fears that the death toll could rise further.
According to the USGS, the two shocks were recorded almost back-to-back: a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck first and, 39 seconds later, was followed by a main magnitude 7.5 earthquake, the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900. The epicenters were located near Morón, west of Caracas, at a shallow focal depth.
More than 10 countries, including the United States, have said they are ready to send aid to the country.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency, urging citizens to stay away from damaged buildings, as around 30 aftershocks have been recorded. La Guaira, north of Caracas and near Simón Bolívar International Airport, is described as the worst-hit area, with “dozens” of buildings collapsed and rescue teams being sent there from other parts of the country.
Damage has also been reported in Caracas, where residents spent the night in streets and makeshift shelters, fearing further tremors. The main international airport was closed due to severe damage, while metro and train services were suspended. Rescue operations are continuing, as people remain trapped in the rubble.
At the same time, more than ten countries — including the United States, Britain, the Netherlands, Iran, Germany, Italy and China — have said they are ready to provide assistance or have already offered aid, while the EU activated Copernicus and said it was ready to strengthen its support.
Source: BBC, Guardian [1], [2]
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