Over 30 Aftershocks Follow Two Major Earthquakes in Venezuela: Why Is the Country at Seismic Risk?
Source, Reuters
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Health Minister reports death toll has reached 235 following back-to-back major earthquakes in Venezuela.
Rescuers continue search operations for many missing persons trapped under collapsed buildings and debris.
More than 1,500 people have been injured in the earthquake centered near the capital city Caracas.
Rescue workers report hearing cries for help from within the rubble of collapsed buildings in Caracas and the nearby coastal city of La Guaira.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has inspected the most affected areas in La Guaira.
Over 30 Aftershocks Recorded
Source, Reuters
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake measured a magnitude of 7.2, followed by a stronger second earthquake measuring 7.5. This second quake is the most powerful recorded in Venezuela since 1900.
The epicenter of the first quake was 20 kilometers underground, with the second quake’s epicenter at 10 kilometers depth.
The second earthquake struck 38 seconds after the first, at the same location, causing further damage to structures already weakened by the initial quake.
Interim President Rodríguez stated that over 30 aftershocks have been recorded following the two major earthquakes.
The death toll is expected to rise, with many people left homeless and fearful to return to their homes.
Majority Were at Home During the Quake
Source, Reuters
The earthquake struck at 6 pm local time on Wednesday, when many people were celebrating a holiday at home, which likely contributed to the high number of casualties trapped inside collapsed buildings.
Following the earthquakes, Interim President Rodríguez declared a state of emergency across the country.
Many countries have pledged aid for relief and rescue efforts. The United States has committed $150 million in assistance and is preparing to deploy ships and aircraft necessary for search and rescue operations.
So far, over 250 buildings have been reported collapsed. A video has confirmed the complete destruction of a 10-story apartment building, with families still desperately searching for those trapped inside.
There are hopes that some individuals may still be alive within the rubble. The main international airport on the outskirts of Caracas is currently closed.
Why Venezuela Faces Earthquake Risks
Venezuela, located in the northern coastal region of South America, lies at the convergence zone of two tectonic plates.
Sitting at the meeting point of the Caribbean and South American plates, ongoing plate movements create friction, posing a high risk of earthquakes, according to USGS.
This junction has historically produced major quakes in the past, including a significant earthquake in 1967.
USGS data confirms Wednesday morning’s second earthquake as the largest quake recorded in the region.
The tremors were even felt hundreds of kilometers away in Bogotá, the capital of neighboring Colombia.
With a population of approximately 28 million, most Venezuelans live in the northern part of the country. The capital Caracas itself houses around 5 million residents.