Powerful twin quakes hit Venezuela as casualty fears rise
Two earthquakes west of Caracas caused building collapses and led Venezuela’s interim president to declare a state of emergency.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
Two powerful earthquakes struck west of Caracas on Thursday, causing building collapses in the Venezuelan capital and prompting a national emergency declaration, according to Al Jazeera. The scale of the damage has raised fears of a severe casualty toll.
Al Jazeera reported that the quakes were measured at magnitude 7.1 and 7.5. The broadcaster said the earthquakes caused widespread devastation across Venezuela, with buildings collapsing in Caracas.
Interim President Rodriguez declared a state of emergency after the quakes, Al Jazeera reported. The declaration came as authorities faced the immediate task of responding to damage in the capital and other affected areas west of Caracas.
The United States Geological Survey said there could be a high number of casualties and extensive damage, according to Al Jazeera. Experts cited by the broadcaster warned that the death toll could reach the thousands.
Al Jazeera’s breaking coverage did not give a confirmed casualty count. The early reports pointed to major destruction and the risk of a large loss of life, but official figures were not included in the initial information reported by the broadcaster.
The earthquakes struck a country already facing a major emergency response, with the capital among the areas reporting structural damage. Further details on rescue efforts, affected cities and confirmed deaths were not immediately provided in Al Jazeera’s initial report.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.