Powerful twin earthquakes have struck Venezuela, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 700, according to the nation's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez. The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes hit the same area on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction and panic in the capital, Caracas.
State of Emergency Declared
Following the disaster, Rodriguez declared a state of emergency. Rescue workers and residents are searching through rubble for survivors. The earthquakes prompted 20 aftershocks and led to the closure of the country's main airport, Maiquetia International Airport, due to severe damage.
International Response
The United States has announced it is deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela. US President Donald Trump expressed concern over the devastating impact of the quakes.
Widespread Damage
The quakes caused buildings in Caracas to crumble, with a 22-story building in the Altamira neighborhood completely destroyed. The tremors were felt as far away as Bogota, Colombia, where residents evacuated buildings as a precaution.
Historical Context
Venezuela is prone to seismic activity. The strongest tremors in recent history occurred in 1997, killing 73 people, and in 1967, when 236 people died. The US National Tsunami Warning Center has ruled out the possibility of a tsunami following the recent quakes.
