Two powerful earthquakes have struck northern and central Venezuela, causing significant destruction and a tragic loss of life. According to Venezuelan officials, at least 32 people have died, and over 700 more are reported injured. The hardest-hit area borders the capital, Caracas, and reports suggest that the number of casualties may rise significantly. The US Geological Survey (USGS) has estimated potential fatalities could be between 10,000 and 100,000.
President Delcy Rodríguez has declared a state of emergency. In a televised address, she extended her condolences to the families of victims, describing the situation as a “serious incident with profound consequences.” Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello echoed her sentiment, noting the extensive damage and calling the situation “extremely alarming.”
Magnitude and Impact of the Earthquakes
The earthquakes recorded magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring within a minute of each other. Their epicenter was located approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas at a shallow depth of just 13 kilometers. This shallow depth raises concerns over possible massive destruction and a high number of victims.
Devastation in Caracas
Reports from AFP correspondents indicate extensive destruction in Caracas. In the Altamira district, a 22-story building was nearly completely destroyed. Streets were filled with anxious residents searching for missing loved ones. Search and rescue efforts are underway as volunteers sift through rubble for survivors. In the Chacao district, Mayor Gustavo Duque reported that 18 individuals were rescued from just one damaged building. Authorities are advising residents to seek shelter in public spaces due to ongoing aftershocks.
Emergency Response Efforts
In medical facilities like the Hospital de Clínicas in Caracas, staff doubled their shifts to accommodate the influx of injured individuals. The government has announced the suspension of school classes and ceased train services. Additionally, the international airport serving Caracas has temporarily halted operations due to several damages. Rodríguez stated that she would seek financial assistance from multilateral organizations for rebuilding efforts.
Potential Impact on Oil Production
While the country’s critical oil infrastructure appears to be unaffected initially, ongoing power outages could significantly disrupt oil production. The state-owned oil company PDVSA and its primary foreign partner, Chevron, have not made any public statements regarding the earthquakes’ effects on operations.
These earthquakes rank among the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century. Their effects were felt as far away as Bogotá, Colombia, approximately 1,000 kilometers from the epicenter. The US Tsunami Warning Center initially issued a warning for Puerto Rico and nearby islands but later revoked it after about an hour.
