“High Casualties And Extensive Damage Expected”: Powerful Earthquakes Devastate Venezuela

New Delhi: At least 32 people have lost their lives and more than 700 others have been injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Thursday, causing widespread destruction across the capital Caracas and several neighbouring regions.
Authorities fear the death toll could rise significantly as rescue teams continue to reach heavily affected areas and search operations intensify in collapsed buildings and damaged residential neighbourhoods.
The first earthquake, measuring 7.2 in magnitude, struck west of Caracas before a second and stronger 7.5 magnitude tremor hit less than a minute later, sending residents rushing into streets and open spaces as buildings shook violently.
Emergency officials have warned that the scale of devastation could result in a major humanitarian crisis, with extensive damage reported to homes, apartment complexes and public infrastructure.
The government has declared a state of emergency and appealed for international financial assistance to support rescue operations and long term reconstruction efforts.
Throughout the day, rescue workers continued combing through rubble in several parts of Caracas as anxious families gathered near damaged buildings awaiting news of missing relatives believed to be trapped inside.
Authorities have mobilised security personnel, civil defence teams and emergency services across affected regions to assist with rescue efforts and provide aid to survivors.
Several buildings collapsed in the Chacao municipality, where rescue teams managed to pull survivors from the debris. Residents have been advised to remain in public squares and open areas because of the possibility of strong aftershocks.
Hospitals in Caracas activated emergency protocols and expanded staffing to cope with the growing number of injured patients arriving for treatment.
The country’s largest airport was temporarily closed after sustaining damage, while schools and colleges were shut for the remainder of the week as officials assessed the full extent of the destruction.