Caracas, MINA – A pair of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, leaving at least 32 people dead and more than 700 injured, according to interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who declared a state of emergency as rescue teams scrambled to pull survivors from the rubble, according to Anadolu Agency.
The first tremor, a magnitude 7.2 foreshock, hit near the city of San Felipe in Yaracuy state. Just 40 seconds later, a more devastating 7.5 quake—the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than 125 years—struck southeast of Yumare, sending shockwaves across the country.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the mainshock occurred at a depth of roughly 10 kilometers, with its epicenter just west of the coastal town of Moron. The violent tremors rattled the capital Caracas, toppling buildings and causing widespread panic. Initial USGS estimates had warned that the death toll could reach anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000, but Rodriguez’s update suggests the actual number is lower for now.
Rescue operations are underway across the hardest-hit areas, with teams working around the clock to free trapped residents. Rodriguez said authorities are focused on saving lives and have mobilized resources to support those affected.
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The disaster has also disrupted transportation and communications, with internet connectivity plunging across the country. Tsunami warnings were issued for coastal regions, adding to the chaos, but were later lifted.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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