A powerful series of earthquakes has devastated parts of Venezuela, causing widespread destruction and leaving hundreds of people trapped beneath collapsed buildings. The twin earthquakes struck areas near the capital, Caracas, triggering panic, damaging infrastructure, and forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes.
The first tremor, measuring 7.2 magnitude, struck approximately 160 kilometres west of Caracas on Wednesday evening. Less than a minute later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake shook the same region. Seismologists described it as one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the area in more than a century.
The back-to-back earthquakes caused extensive damage across several communities. Homes, commercial buildings, and public infrastructure either collapsed or suffered severe structural damage. Rescue teams have been working around the clock to search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble while aftershocks continue to shake affected areas.
Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said that hospitals and emergency services had recovered around 235 bodies by Thursday night. However, officials cautioned that the final death toll could rise as rescue workers continue clearing debris and searching for missing people.
Earlier, Jorge Rodriguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, stated that nearly 200 people were believed to be trapped under collapsed structures, while around 250 buildings had either been heavily damaged or completely destroyed.
The disaster also affected several key facilities, including at least eight hospitals, the headquarters of the Venezuelan Red Cross, and the French embassy. Authorities said the damage has complicated rescue operations and emergency medical services.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported that La Guaira state suffered some of the worst destruction, with nearly 70,000 families impacted by the powerful earthquakes.
Emergency crews, military personnel, and volunteers remain engaged in rescue and relief operations. Authorities continue to search for survivors, provide shelter to displaced families, and assess the full extent of the destruction as recovery efforts continue across the affected regions.
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