NewzVille Desk
Strong earthquakes hit North-Central Venezuela on June 24, shaking the capital Caracas and nearby regions. At least 32 people have lost their lives and 700 injured in the duble quake as buildings collapsed in the regions.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) warned that high casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread, initially estimating the death toll could range between 10,000-100,000.
The first quake measured magnitude 7.2 on richter scale, followed less than a minute later by a stronger 7.5 tremor.
Both earthquakes struck about 160 km West of Caracas at shallow depth, making the shaking more intense and widely felt across the country and into neighboring Colombia. Nearly two dozen aftershocks shook the country, collapsing buildings in the capital city Caracas and elsewhere.
A brief tsunami alert was issued for parts of the Caribbean and later withdrawn.
Venezuela lies in a major seismic zone where the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates meet, making it prone to powerful earthquakes.
Rescue and assessment efforts are continuing as officials try to determine the full extent of the devastation.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said, “At this moment of great sensitivity for our population, and for those who unfortunately have suffered the loss of a family member, we extend our immediate condolences. Likewise, we want to ask for the utmost cooperation from the population.”
She said that the Civil Protection System and National Emergency System have been deployed. The President has declared the havoc a state of emergency.
