By Staff Reporter
CARACAS, Venezuela — At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes of each other, causing widespread destruction and prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency.
The twin tremors, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, hit western Venezuela on Thursday, with the impact felt across the country, including in the capital, Caracas, where several buildings reportedly collapsed.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced a state of emergency and confirmed that operations at Simon Bolívar International Airport in Caracas had been suspended after the facility sustained damage.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake struck west of Morón, approximately 168 kilometres west of Caracas. A second, stronger quake followed just one minute later in the same area.
Emergency response teams have been deployed to affected regions as rescue operations continue amid fears that the death toll could rise.
The USGS warned that the disaster is likely to be widespread, noting that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable” following the powerful back-to-back seismic events.
Authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage while providing assistance to thousands affected by one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in recent years.
Source: Aljazeera
