Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
A pair of powerful earthquakes struck the Caribbean coast of Venezuela, causing widespread structural collapse and forcing the closure of the nation’s primary international airport. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed that at least thirty-two people have died, with the overall casualty figures expected to rise significantly as rescue operations expand.
The seismic events registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 just one minute apart, according to official data released by the United States Geological Survey. The epicenters were located near the coastal town of Moron, sending shockwaves that could be felt as far away as the Brazilian Amazon and parts of neighboring Colombia.
Severe Structural Damage Prompts National State of Emergency
The acting president officially declared a national state of emergency late Wednesday evening following severe damage across multiple coastal and inland states. Over seven hundred people have been treated for various injuries, though this initial count completely excludes the hardest-hit coastal region of La Guaira.
Rodriguez described La Guaira as a total disaster zone where dozens of residential buildings completely collapsed during the evening tremors. Heavy rescue operations are currently underway as emergency workers and local citizens use power tools to clear heavy piles of concrete debris.
Capital Infrastructure Paralysis Sparks Widespread Local Panic
The capital city of Caracas suffered immediate infrastructure failures, including widespread electrical blackouts and the total loss of cellular communication networks. Local authorities suspended all subway transport services and proactively shut off natural gas lines to prevent subsequent urban fires.
Panicked residents rushed into the open streets as major buildings swayed violently and columns of thick dust rose over busy neighborhoods. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged the population to remain outdoors for several hours to avoid the dangers of continuous structural aftershocks.
International Aid Mobilizes Following Political Shifts
The United States government announced the immediate deployment of specialized search and rescue teams alongside medical resources and humanitarian assistance. This coordinated response follows recent major political changes in Caracas after an American military operation captured former leader Nicolas Maduro.
Rodriguez expressed gratitude for the rapid international support through official statements on social media platforms. Additional rescue personnel and emergency supply shipments have already been dispatched from global partners, including Qatar, Mexico, Ecuador, and El Salvador.
