Venezuela Hit by Powerful Twin Earthquakes, Buildings Collapse Amid State of Emergency

On Wednesday, Venezuela faced a double calamity as two significant earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck near the capital, Caracas. The tremors led to the collapse of several buildings and left the nation in a state of alarm, with officials declaring a state of emergency in the aftermath of the seismic events.

The first quake, which hit at 6 PM local time, was located at a depth of approximately 22 kilometers. Just a minute later, the second earthquake followed closely, originating at a depth of 10 kilometers. Such shallow earthquakes are known for their potential to cause significant destruction, and this incident was no exception. Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media revealed substantial damage, including collapsed structures and chaos at the Maiquetia airport.

In response to the unfolding situation, Delcy Rodriguez, the interim leader of Venezuela, announced the airport’s temporary closure due to severe damage sustained during the quakes. Rodriguez also noted that precautionary measures were being taken, including the cutting off of gas supplies to several buildings to prevent potential accidents. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged residents to evacuate their homes to ensure their safety amidst the alarming reports of structural damage.

Reports indicate that over 20 aftershocks have rattled the region since the initial earthquakes, adding to the anxiety of the residents. While the seismic activity has raised concerns, the US National Tsunami Warning Center has confirmed that there is no threat of a tsunami resulting from these tremors.

This series of earthquakes comes at a time when Venezuela is already grappling with numerous challenges, including economic instability and a humanitarian crisis. The impact of such natural disasters can exacerbate the existing struggles faced by the population, making international assistance and a coordinated response all the more crucial.

Source: scroll.in