Earthquake in Venezuela: Death Toll Exceeds 900, Over 3,000 Injured
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The Venezuelan government has reported that over 900 people have died and at least 3,360 have been injured following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country.
Rescue workers remain active in searching for survivors while family members anxiously wait for news about their loved ones.
Injured individuals are receiving medical treatment at temporary health centers. The earthquakes caused the collapse of dozens of buildings in Venezuela’s northern regions, including structures in the capital, Caracas.
According to a senior government official, hundreds of international rescue personnel have arrived in Venezuela, with more teams expected to join the relief efforts soon.
The two powerful earthquakes shook Venezuela within seconds of each other last Wednesday.
The second earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.5, marking it as one of the strongest earthquakes in the country in the past century.
Over 200 Aftershocks Recorded
In a televised address on Friday, the National Assembly Speaker confirmed the death toll has reached 920 and expressed concern that at least 172 people were still believed trapped under debris.
Dozens have been rescued alive, reuniting with family and loved ones, which Interim President Delcy Rodríguez described as “a cause for joy” during her televised address.
Since the initial quake, 214 aftershocks have been recorded so far, according to the interim president.
The National Assembly Speaker added that hundreds of buildings have been damaged or completely destroyed, including many hospitals and shopping centers. At least 1,000 other infrastructure facilities have also sustained damage.
Photo credit, Reuters
The Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council described the devastation as “horrific,” as witnessed by international rescue teams.
Initial rescue and emergency response efforts were hampered by disrupted communications, damaged roads, and limited resources.
Nevertheless, there are reports of rescuers pulling people alive from collapsed buildings even with bare hands.
International Rescue Teams
A British search and rescue team, accompanied by rescue dogs and drones, departed for Venezuela on Friday.
The flight carries 14 fire and rescue service experts from the UK, led by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.
Other countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Switzerland, have also sent rescue teams.
The United States announced plans to deploy warships, transport planes, and aid worth $150 million.
Photo credit, Reuters
Why Is Venezuela Prone to Earthquakes?
Situated in the northern coastal region of South America, Venezuela lies within the boundary zone of two major tectonic plates.
The country is located where the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates meet.
Since these plates are constantly moving, friction occurs along their edges, and when a plate slips, an earthquake can occur, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Earthquake risk increases in areas where these plates converge, which is why Venezuela experienced a major earthquake in 1967 as well.
The second earthquake last Wednesday was the largest to occur in the region since then, USGS data shows.
The tremors were also felt hundreds of kilometers away in Bogota, Colombia’s capital.
Venezuela has a total population of approximately 28 million, many of whom reside in the northern parts of the country. Approximately 5 million people live in the capital city, Caracas alone.