Hundreds have died and were injured after a pair of powerful earthquakes rocked Venezuela on Wednesday. Many buildings have collapsed, and rescue workers are searching for those buried under the rubble.
Image: Federico Parra/AFP
Two powerful earthquakes shook Venezuela within less than a minute on Wednesday. People in the capital, Caracas, ran out of buildings and into the streets in a panic. The US Geological Survey reported that the quakes measured magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, making them among the worst earthquakes worldwide so far this year — and the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900.
Image: Federico Parra/AFP
The two powerful quakes caused the collapse of dozens of homes and other buildings. Rescue workers are searching through the rubble for trapped survivors. Train service has been suspended nationwide, and the international airport in Caracas has been closed due to damage.
Image: Manaure Quintero/AFP
In Valencia, west of Caracas, people gathered outside, unable to return to their homes. Residents reported overturned furniture, pictures dropping off walls and entire walls that collapsed.
Image: Jacinto Oliveros/AFP
The cracks in the facade of this church in Valencia are clearly visible. According to government figures, at least 164 people have died so far. More than 1,000 have been reported injured, interim President Delcy Rodriguez said in a televised address. However, there are still no official figures on damage or casualties from La Guaira, the state hardest hit by the disaster.
Image: Jacinto Oliveros/AFP
Washington has announced it will immediately deploy aid workers. “Our hearts are with all those who have lost loved ones, those injured, and the courageous rescue workers working tirelessly in the aftermath,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X. “America stands with the Venezuelan people during this difficult time.” Several other countries, including Germany, have also pledged to help.
Image: Federico Parra/AFP
There have already been 20 aftershocks, according to interim President Rodriguez. She said rescue efforts are now the top priority. School classes have been suspended and a state of emergency has been declared. To prevent explosions, the authorities have ordered that the gas supply be shut off.
Image: Manaure Quintero/AFP6 images1 | 66 imageshttps://p.dw.com/p/5G3A0
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