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State of Emergency in Venezuela After Two Major Earthquakes, High Casualties Feared

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Northern Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes within a minute, causing buildings to collapse in and around the capital, Caracas.
  • The government has declared a state of emergency, with fears of significant damage and a high number of casualties.
  • The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, had a depth of 13 kilometers, with the epicenter west of the city of Morón.

Northern Venezuela is grappling with the aftermath of two severe earthquakes that struck in rapid succession, prompting the government to declare a state of emergency. The tremors, occurring within a single minute, caused widespread destruction, with numerous buildings collapsing in and around the capital city of Caracas.

The first earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.2, immediately followed by a second, even stronger tremor of 7.5. Both quakes originated at a depth of 13 kilometers. The epicenter was located west of Morón, a city on the country's Caribbean coast, approximately 168 kilometers west of Caracas.

an incident with serious consequences

— Delcy RodríguezInterim President Delcy Rodríguez's description of the earthquake's impact.

Social media footage depicts extensive damage, with many structures reduced to rubble. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez addressed the nation via television, describing the event as having "serious consequences" and urging the public to remain calm and united. However, she did not provide specific figures regarding the extent of the damage or the number of casualties.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) has indicated that a high number of victims is probable, suggesting the situation could be dire. Further details are expected as rescue efforts commence and damage assessments are conducted.

We ask the population to remain calm and united.

— Delcy RodríguezInterim President Delcy Rodríguez's call for public order following the earthquakes.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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