A magnitude 7.2 quake followed 40 seconds later by a 7.5 tremor struck central Venezuela on the national holiday Thursday, causing building collapses, widespread infrastructure damage, and closure of the international airport, according to reports. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national emergency and established a search-and-rescue task force in a televised address.
The second major announcement from Venezuelan authorities confirms the devastating scale of Thursday's twin earthquakes. The initial 7.2-magnitude tremor was followed within 40 seconds by a 7.5-magnitude quake — a sequence that toppled buildings, shut down the international airport, and knocked out broad infrastructure in the heart of the country on its national holiday.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a national emergency in a televised address and announced the formation of a dedicated search-and-rescue task force. As The Zioneer reported, the quakes — the most powerful since 1900 — have killed at least 32 people and wounded more than 700, according to Rodríguez’s earlier update. International rescue teams are en route.
Details on the extent of damage outside the capital remain unconfirmed as communication lines in affected regions are disrupted.
3 developments
- DevelopingVenezuela vice president: at least 32 dead, 700 wounded in earthquake
- StrongUS Geological Survey warns of high likelihood of casualties, extensive damage in Venezuela earthquake
- StrongVenezuela quake most powerful to hit country since 1900
- StrongDozens of buildings collapse in La Guaira after twin quakes
Source and signal
- Internal intake