CARACAS – Two devastating earthquakes ripped through Venezuela on Wednesday evening, flattening buildings in Caracas and sparking fears that the disaster could leave up to 100 000 people dead.
Shocking footage and images revealed the aftermath of the back-to-back 7.1 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes, which forced panicked travellers to run for their lives as Simón Bolívar International Airport collapsed and parts of nearby cities were reduced to rubble.
The tremors struck near the coast, sending terrified residents racing out from swaying apartment blocks as walls collapsed and clouds of dust rose over the capital.
‘High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread,’ the US Geological Survey said, ‘with an initial death toll estimate likely between 10 000 and 100 000.’ Yesterday morning, Venezuelan authorities said at least 32 people had been killed with at least 700 injured.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez warned the toll was expected to rise as rescuers search collapsed buildings and emergency crews reach devastated areas.
The casualty figures released so far excluded the State of La Guaira, which Rodríguez described as a ‘disaster zone’ and the area hardest hit.
The quakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century although strong earthquakes are unusual in the country.
Back in the capital, terrifying footage showed the scale of the destruction that unfolded.
Emergency workers were seen clambering into the ruins of a collapsed building as night fell, while distraught residents stood outside shattered homes and apartment blocks with entire walls torn away, leaving furniture exposed to the street.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed that buildings and homes had been brought down in the capital.
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