CARACAS, Venezuela – At least 32 people have been killed and about 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast just 40 seconds apart, causing widespread destruction and prompting a state of emergency. Authorities warned the death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue searching for survivors in the hardest-hit areas, including the capital, Caracas. The first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.2 and was followed by a magnitude 7.5 quake, making the latter the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than a century, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Homes, hotels, and other buildings collapsed, roads were damaged, and Simon Bolivar International Airport was closed. La Guaira state was among the hardest-hit areas, with numerous buildings reduced to rubble.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency as hundreds of emergency workers searched damaged buildings for survivors. Residents described scenes of panic as people fled collapsing structures, while many families struggled to contact relatives because of communication disruptions. Rescue crews continued clearing debris with the help of local residents in the search for those trapped beneath the rubble. Earthquake experts said the scale of the destruction was linked to the shallow depth of the quakes and the vulnerability of older buildings constructed under outdated building codes. They said newer structures built to modern standards are generally more resistant to seismic activity, while older masonry and concrete buildings are more prone to collapse. U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States stands ready to assist Venezuela’s recovery and has directed federal agencies to prepare emergency support. Authorities warned that search-and-rescue operations could continue for days as the disaster adds to the country’s existing economic and humanitarian challenges. (NNT)
