- At least 32 are dead and 700 injured after two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela.
- Dozens of buildings have collapsed and rescue efforts are intense, according to Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez.
- Donald Trump has posted about the "two major earthquakes", which he says are "massive in scale" and "have left a devastating number of deaths".
- Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez has declared a state of emergency after two earthquakes rocked the capital.
- At least 32 people were confirmed dead, with officials warning the toll was likely to rise as search and rescue teams continue their operations.
- The United States Geological Survey reported a 44 percent chance of more than 10,000 dead and a 33 percent chance of the death toll surpassing 100,000.
- Venezuela has been rattled by more than 20 aftershocks since the first major earthquakes struck at about 6pm Wednesday local time.
- Eyewitnesses described the terror of walls cracking and shaking around them, and watching people flee into the streets screaming.
At least 32 people were confirmed dead and 700 injured after two earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday evening, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, according to the US Geological Survey.6
The tremors led to widespread destruction, with dozens of buildings collapsing and thousands of residents fleeing to the streets in panic. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of horror, with one resident stating, "It was so strong that I thought the building was going to fall on top of me."
In response to the disaster, interim president Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency, suspending classes and closing the main airport. Rodriguez reported that rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams from other countries expected to arrive soon.35
The United States Geological Survey has warned of a potential for a significantly higher death toll, estimating a 44 percent chance of more than 10,000 dead and a 33 percent chance of the death toll surpassing 100,000.7
As the region continues to experience aftershocks, residents are left grappling with the aftermath. One journalist described the chaos, stating, "An hour after the quake, everyone is still outside waiting for safety in case there's an aftershock."
Former President Donald Trump has also pledged support to Venezuela, emphasizing the need for aid and personnel in the wake of this devastating event.4
“At least 32 people are confirmed dead and 700 injured following two major earthquakes in Venezuela. Delcy Rodriguez has declared a state of emergency as rescue efforts intensify amid reports of collapsed buildings.”
The Guardian