At least 32 people have been killed and approximately 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, according to the BBC. The first quake, a magnitude 7.1 event, hit the capital Caracas at 18:04 local time (22:04 GMT), when many residents were at home, the US Geological Survey (USGS) reported. Witnesses told Reuters that tremors were felt as far away as Bogotá, Colombia. The second earthquake occurred about 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare.
USGS Warns of Potentially High Casualties
The USGS assessed that the earthquakes could result in heavy casualties and widespread destruction, particularly in the capital and surrounding areas. The agency stated that "the disaster is likely widespread" and warned that strong aftershocks could still occur. It estimated a 44 percent probability that the death toll could exceed 10,000, and a 30 percent chance that fatalities could surpass 100,000. The USGS also highlighted a significant risk of landslides and ground liquefaction, a phenomenon where water-saturated soil loses strength and behaves like a flowing mass.
State of Emergency Declared
Venezuela's acting President, Delcy Rodríguez, declared a state of emergency following the devastating earthquakes. In a televised address alongside Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and National Assembly head Jorge Rodríguez, she appointed a general to coordinate the country's emergency response. Ms. Rodríguez has served as interim president since January, when her predecessor, Nicolás Maduro, was taken into US custody and transferred to New York to face alleged drug-trafficking charges. She urged Venezuelans to remain united and expressed condolences to affected families, though she did not disclose the number of fatalities.
Buildings Collapse in Affected Areas
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello told state television that buildings had collapsed in the middle-class neighborhood of Palos Grandes and the upscale district of Altamira, both of which were devastated by a 6.6-magnitude earthquake in 1967 that killed over 200 people. Residents reported experiencing two successive tremors, similar to the 1967 disaster. Cabello urged residents to evacuate their homes as a precaution and said fuel supplies to several buildings had been shut off to reduce the risk of further incidents. "We have some damaged structures, and we don't want any kind of accident involving gas to occur," he said, according to AFP.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to locate survivors and provide medical assistance. The USGS continues to monitor aftershocks and potential secondary hazards. The international community has been urged to offer support as Venezuela grapples with the aftermath of the seismic events.
