Venezuela Earthquake: Claims are being made that between 10,000 and 100,000 people have died following two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela. Maiquetía Airport, the country’s main international airport, has been shut down due to “severe damage” caused by the quakes. Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has just addressed the nation; she declared a state of emergency and appointed a general to manage the crisis. In her speech, she specifically appealed for unity among the Venezuelan people and expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones, though she did not specify a death toll. Images of the devastation caused by the earthquakes are harrowing.
What do we know about the Venezuela earthquakes?
Two massive earthquakes struck Venezuela within the span of a minute on Wednesday evening.
The first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.2, with its epicenter in San Felipe, Yaracuy state.
According to the US Geological Survey, an even stronger earthquake—measuring 7.5 in magnitude—struck just 39 seconds later.
While the exact number of casualties and the extent of the damage remain unclear, estimates suggest a death toll in the thousands.
The USGS warns of the likelihood of significant casualties and heavy damage following the second major quake. There is a 44% probability of more than 10,000 deaths and a 30% probability of more than 100,000 deaths.
Tremors were also felt in the capital, Caracas, where buildings collapsed, fuel supplies were cut off, and people are calling for help from beneath the rubble.
According to an AFP report, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has urged people to leave their homes. Cabello stated that fuel supplies to many buildings have already been shut off as a precautionary measure. Cabello said, “Some buildings have been damaged, and we do not want any gas-related accidents to occur.” This is not the first time a powerful earthquake has struck the Venezuelan capital.
