Death Toll from Devastating Earthquakes in Venezuela Surpasses 1,400

The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela this week have led to a devastating rise in the death toll, now reaching 1,430, as reported on Saturday. The catastrophic events, which occurred on Wednesday, have also left approximately 68,900 individuals unaccounted for, leading to a national and international outpouring of concern and support.

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, hit the South American nation in close succession, with the first quake occurring at 6 PM local time at a depth of about 22 kilometers, followed shortly by a second tremor just a minute later at a depth of 10 kilometers. Such shallow earthquakes are known for causing severe destruction, and this situation is no exception, as evidenced by numerous videos circulating on social media showing collapsed buildings and extensive damage to the Maiquetia airport in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital.

The La Guaira region, situated near Caracas, has been identified as the hardest-hit area by the interim President Delcy Rodriguez. Following the tremors, emergency operations have been mobilized to rescue individuals trapped beneath the rubble, with rescue teams coordinating efforts to provide immediate assistance. The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency in light of the crisis, leading to the temporary closure of the airport due to significant damage.

The physical damage from this disaster is estimated by the United Nations to be around $6.7 billion, a staggering figure that represents approximately 6% of Venezuela’s gross domestic product. In response to the calamity, several nations, including Spain, El Salvador, and Switzerland, have dispatched rescue teams and aid to help Venezuela in its recovery efforts.

This double earthquake event is being recognized as the most powerful seismic activity to hit the region in over a century, with numerous aftershocks adding to the anxiety and peril faced by the affected communities. As the situation unfolds, the global community watches closely, offering support and solidarity to a nation grappling with profound loss and destruction.

Source: scroll.in