CARACAS: A Tragic Earthquake Crisis Unfolds
On Thursday, Venezuela faced a devastating disaster as thousands were feared dead after two powerful earthquakes struck near the capital, Caracas. The tremors trapped many individuals under collapsed buildings and triggered a series of strong aftershocks.
The first earthquake, measuring 7.2 in magnitude, hit approximately 160 km (100 miles) west of Caracas on Wednesday afternoon. It was followed less than a minute later by an even stronger quake of 7.5 magnitude, as reported by the US Geological Survey.
As night approached, emergency responders worked tirelessly amidst the debris in Caracas, searching for survivors while anxious family members looked on, hoping for news of their loved ones. Many survivors, appearing disoriented, were evacuated from the scene, some on stretchers.
Maria Alejandra, a nearby resident, described the chaos: “When we went downstairs, the scene was like a horror movie. We had to climb over the rubble. I only saw one family get out.”
The government confirmed at least 164 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced that they were collaborating with businesses to bring in heavy machinery to speed up rescue operations for those still trapped.
La Guaira state, located close to Caracas and home to the city’s airport, was hit particularly hard. Eyewitnesses shared footage showing panic as ceilings collapsed at the airport and debris from ruined buildings cluttered the waterfront.
Rodriguez expressed urgency in her address on state television, stating, “Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and we are conducting intense rescue efforts to save as many lives as possible. La Guaira state is in a true state of catastrophe.”
In Morón, a small coastal town in Carabobo state, homes also fell, leaving residents without water or electricity. Local mayor Emily Riera reported that at least eight people, including three children, lost their lives in the area.
Using predictive modeling to gauge the situation, the US Geological Survey estimates that the death toll could reach into the thousands, with a significant chance of surpassing 10,000.
