A woman weeps in front of rubble in Caracas, Venezuela, on Wednesday. Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, including a magnitude 7.5 earthquake, causing buildings to collapse as authorities assessed damage and possible casualties, according to the US Geological Survey and local officials. Photo by Ronald Pena R/EPAUPI
A pair of major earthquakes hit near the Venezuelan capital of Caracas on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings and killing dozens of people.
The first temblor — a magnitude 7.2 — hit at 6:04 p.m. local time and was followed 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 strike, the U.S. Geological Survey said.
Wednesday was a holiday in Venezuela, and more people than usual were at home instead of on an evening commute.
The first earthquake struck about 14 miles southeast of Yumare, with the second temblor hitting about 17 miles from the northwestern Venezuelan city.
The USGS reported that high casualties and widespread damage were likely, saying that there is a 44% chance that fatalities will exceed 10,000 and a 30% chance that they will exceed 100,000. The USGS said aftershocks may still occur.
Unverified videos of the aftermath posted online show numerous concrete buildings reduced to rubble, roads split open and people cowering in fear.
Preliminary casualty figures state that the earthquakes killed at least 32 people and wounded more than 700 others, Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, said during an early Thursday press conference.
The figures, however, are expected to rise as rescuers scour the remains of collapsed buildings for survivors.
La Guaira state was the hardest hit, she said, calling it a “true tragedy.”
Dozens of buildings have collapsed in the northern Venezuelan state and rescuers are on the scene seeking to “save lives,” she said.
She declared a state of emergency throughout the country in an earlier press conference, describing the situation as “an event with serious consequences” for several states.
Authorities, security forces, medical services and civil protection personnel have been deployed across the country, she added.
Gas services have been disconnected from affected buildings and electricity services have been interrupted in parts of Caracas, she said.
“The first message to our people is to stay united to save lives,” she said.
Numerous countries have been in contact with Venezuela to offer support, including the United States.
President Donald Trump said in a statement that “the U.S.A. stands ready, willing and able to help!”
“I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly,” he said. “We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!!”
Preventive evacuations have been ordered and reception centers for those affected have been established, officials said.
The Venezuelan Red Cross told UPI in an emailed statement that its national headquarters had sustained “critical damage” and it was accounting for the safety of its staff and volunteers.
“While assessments continue, the most urgent anticipated needs are search-and-rescue, emergency shelter for families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed and emergency healthcare, including trauma care and psychosocial support,” it said.
“Safe water and sanitation and essential household items are also expected to be priorities in the hours and days ahead.”
