At least 235 people have died as a result of two devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, the country's Minister of Health, Carlos Alvarado, announced. The number of victims continues to rise, and thousands of people are still missing, writes the BBC.
Photo: Ariana Cubillos / AP
According to Jorge Rodríguez, president of the country's National Assembly, 1,520 people were injured, and about 200 remain under the rubble. Additionally, the disaster completely destroyed the homes of at least 2,927 families, Rodríguez noted.
Acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, earlier declared a state of emergency in the country. She also announced the closure of Caracas International Airport.
Two powerful tremors with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 occurred on Wednesday evening west of the Venezuelan capital. The second tremor was the strongest since 1900, according to the USGS. It was followed by 138 aftershocks.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez also reported that 250 buildings were destroyed or severely damaged, with the greatest losses in La Guaira state, north of Caracas.
Speaking on national television, Jorge Rodríguez stated that Venezuela faced "severe disruptions" in infrastructure and vital services.
"Significant casualties and widespread destruction are likely, and the disaster itself is probably widespread," stated the US Geological Survey, noting that preliminary estimates suggest the death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000 people.
Many Venezuelans were at home during the earthquake — that day, the country was celebrating the anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo (1821), when Simón Bolívar's army defeated Spanish forces and secured Venezuela's independence.
Many Caracas residents who ran into the streets recalled the previous devastating earthquake that occurred in 1967. At that time, residential buildings collapsed in two districts of Caracas — Palas Grandes and Altamira. In total, more than 200 people died.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello specifically mentioned these two districts when speaking on state television about the destroyed buildings. According to him, the earthquake was also felt in the states of Trujillo, Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua, Miranda, and La Guaira.
Authorities from other countries on the American continent are expressing condolences and offering their support to Venezuela. Among them is US President Donald Trump.
"Two massive earthquakes have just struck the great people of Venezuela, of immense scale and already claiming many lives. The United States is ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all departments of our government to prepare for rapid action. We will stand with our new and great friends," he wrote on the Truth Social network.
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