Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other on Wednesday, killing at least 164 people and injuring 971, officials reported on Thursday. Rescuers are frantically searching for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings in the capital Caracas and surrounding regions.
Quakes Hit Caracas Region
The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a 7.2 magnitude earthquake at a depth of 22 km in the state of Yaracuy, just west of Caracas, at about 6 p.m. local time. More than 30 seconds later, a stronger 7.5 magnitude quake hit nearby at a depth of about 10 km.
Interim President Decly Rodriguez confirmed that multiple states were affected, with La Guaira, a region north of Caracas, being the hardest hit, according to the BBC. A state of emergency has been declared, and all transportation services have been suspended.
Aftershocks and Damage
Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said more than 20 aftershocks have been felt across the country, largely affecting the northern coastline, including La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcón. In Caracas, the worst-hit neighborhoods were Los Palos Grandes and Altamira.
Emergency personnel worked through the night, scrambling over debris from fallen buildings, searching for survivors as residents also looked for loved ones. “When we went downstairs, the scene was like a horror movie,” said resident Maria Alejandra, according to Reuters. “We had to climb over the rubble and everything. The building superintendent with the baby and all the neighbours coming down. But from that building, I only saw that one family got out.”
Death Toll Expected to Rise
Rodriguez reported at least 164 deaths and close to 1,000 injuries, but noted she lacked information on the hardest-hit region of La Guaira. The USGS estimated a 44% chance the death toll could grow to 10,000 and a 30% chance it could reach 100,000, based on historical earthquake data. However, the agency cautioned that factors such as building quality and time of day influence casualty numbers.
Rescue efforts continue as authorities fear more victims may be found under the rubble.
