A series of powerful earthquakes has devastated parts of Venezuela, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 injured, the acting president confirmed on Thursday. The quakes, the strongest of which registered a magnitude of 7.1, struck on Tuesday evening, causing widespread destruction across multiple states.
Casualties and damage
The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue to search through rubble. The acting president, in a televised address, described the situation as a national tragedy. "We are mobilizing all available resources to assist the affected communities," he said. The injured have been transported to hospitals, many of which are overwhelmed and facing shortages of medical supplies.
According to the national disaster management agency, at least 1,200 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, including homes, schools, and hospitals. The hardest-hit areas include the coastal states of Sucre and Nueva Esparta, as well as parts of Miranda and La Guaira.
Government response
The acting president declared a state of emergency and activated the National Risk Management System. Military and civilian personnel have been deployed to assist in search and rescue operations. The government has also set up temporary shelters for displaced residents. International aid offers have started to arrive, with neighboring countries and global organizations pledging support.
Seismologists reported multiple aftershocks, some exceeding magnitude 5.0, which have hampered rescue efforts and raised fears of further building collapses. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the main quake at a depth of 10 kilometers, which contributed to the severe damage.
Historical context
Venezuela lies in a seismically active region along the boundary of the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. The last major earthquake to strike the country was in 1997, which killed at least 73 people in the state of Sucre. Tuesday's quake is one of the deadliest in the nation's history.
Local media reports indicate that power and communication lines have been disrupted in many areas, complicating rescue coordination. The acting president urged citizens to remain calm and follow safety protocols. He also warned of potential landslides in mountainous regions.
As the nation mourns, the focus remains on finding survivors and providing aid to the thousands affected by this devastating natural disaster.
