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Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela 39 seconds apart on Wednesday, killing at least 188 people and injuring thousands. The coastal state of La Guaira and the capital Caracas suffered the worst damage, with dozens of buildings collapsed Source: BBC, Al Jazeera.
The epicenter was near Morón in Yaracuy state, but the worst-hit area was La Guaira, a port city home to Venezuela's main airport. Over 250 buildings were destroyed, according to acting President Delcy Rodríguez Source: Guardian. In Caracas, neighborhoods Altamira and Los Palos Grandes saw multiple collapses, including the JW Marriott hotel Source: Guardian.
Rodríguez declared La Guaira a disaster zone and promised international rescue teams. However, residents expressed frustration at the government's response. In Chacao, protesters confronted Rodríguez, accusing her of campaigning amid tragedy Source: BBC. Many said volunteers, not authorities, were leading rescues Source: Guardian, CNN.
International aid has begun arriving. Schools and stadiums serve as shelters. The Red Cross called for urgent trauma care and psychological support Source: CNN. Search efforts continue, but hope fades for those still trapped.
“"We're all pretty frustrated because the government is not showing what it should – a serious display of help," she says in a plaza just a block away from two collapsed buildings.”
“In a televised address, Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, declared La Guaira the area worst affected by what she called an “unprecedented seismic phenomenon” and lamented the “utter tragedy” that had befallen the region’s residents.”
“Residents said that there is not enough aid to meet people’s needs, and that the first responders are struggling to cope with the number of people injured or missing under the rubble.”
“As of Thursday, at least 188 deaths have been recorded, and thousands more have been reported injured.”
Two Strong Earthquakes Devastate Caracas; Death Toll Disputed