- At least 164 people have been confirmed dead and 971 injured after powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela late Wednesday, according to the acting president Delcy Rodríguez.
- The earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter Scale, making them the strongest tremors to hit the country in more than 125 years.
- UN emergency relief chief Tom Fletcher stated that international teams are mobilizing to support the response efforts in Venezuela, emphasizing the need for collective aid.
- Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and described the affected areas as a 'disaster zone' with dozens of buildings collapsed.
- Authorities have warned that the death toll is likely to keep rising as rescuers continue to access devastated areas.
- La Guaira was reported as the hardest hit state, with significant damage to infrastructure including the main airport, which was closed due to the earthquakes.
Venezuela is facing a catastrophic aftermath following two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes that struck late Wednesday, resulting in at least 188 fatalities and over 1,500 injuries. The tremors, the strongest in over 125 years, have devastated northern regions, particularly La Guaira and Caracas.6
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez described the situation as a 'disaster zone', with numerous buildings collapsed and significant damage reported at the Simón Bolívar International Airport, leading to its closure. “Dozens of buildings have collapsed,” she stated, emphasizing the urgent need for aid.4
The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the earthquakes occurred less than a minute apart, prompting a state of emergency declaration. “We have not even begun to gauge the losses,” authorities warned, as rescue efforts are hampered by the scale of destruction.25
The UN has mobilized resources, with emergency relief chief Tom Fletcher stating, “International solidarity is critical to respond.” Various UN agencies, including the WFP and IOM, are prepared to assist in recovery efforts, highlighting the need for swift international support to aid affected communities.
As the nation mourns, exiled opposition leader María Corina Machado expressed her solidarity, stating, “My heart, my infinite embrace, and my prayers are with every Venezuelan home in these hours of anguish.”
“Venezuela has been struck by powerful earthquakes, resulting in at least 164 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. The UN is calling for a collective response to assist the victims and support rescue efforts.”
CBS News
BBC
