CARACAS – Devastating earthquake struck Venezuela in succession on Wednesday evening killing at least 164 people and hundreds more were injured, acting president DelcyRodriguez said. Rescue workers are searching through the rubble in and around the capital, Caracas.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 kilometres west of Caracas followed by a stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor in less than a minute. The USGS has warned that the death toll could rise significantly with predictive models suggesting fatalities could reach thousands.
“Dozens of buildings have collapsed and we are carrying out intense rescue efforts,” she said. The tremors struck during a public holiday, prompting thousands of residents to flee homes and apartment blocks as buildings shook violently. The initial report of death did not include the worst-hit La Guaira, where many building had collapsed.
Local officials reported multiple building collapses across the capital. Emergency responders worked through the night to search for survivors trapped under rubble while distressed relatives gathered at the disaster sites seeking information about missing loved ones. A tsunami warning issued after the quakes was later cancelled.
Authorities have closed Venezuela’s main international airport in Maiquetia because of structural damage and suspended classes for the whole week.
Several countries including the United States, Brazil and the Dominican Republic offered assistance. The U.S. State Department said it was coordinating aid efforts with Venezuelan authorities as rescue operations continued.
