Powerful quakes shake Venezuela: dozens dead and hundreds injured, second earthquake alarms seismologists

A series of very strong earthquakes shook "Venezuela" and caused severe destruction and panic among the population. The first major quake was recorded with a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter scale, and shortly after, it was followed by a second, even stronger earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5. According to seismologists, it is the second quake that is drawing particular attention, as its characteristics are described as "unusual" in the context of the sequence of seismic movements.

According to preliminary data, at least 32 people have died and about 700 are injured, after buildings were partially or completely destroyed in the capital "Caracas" and other affected areas. Some of the victims have severe trauma due to collapsed structures, falling debris, and glass.

The country's president declared a state of emergency, and the United States Geological Survey estimated that in the worst-case scenario, the death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000 people, depending on the scale of destruction and the speed of the services' response. The authorities at this stage are more cautious and are not yet disclosing final data on the dead and missing.

As of now, there are official reports of about 30 casualties in the first hours after the disaster, but it is expected that the actual number will rise as rescue operations progress. The international airport in "Caracas" is temporarily closed due to infrastructure damage and for the safety of passengers and staff.

According to information from seismological services, one of the epicenters of the strong quakes was located about 21 kilometers from the city of "Morón" and at a depth of about 10 kilometers, which explains the strong impact of the earthquake on the surface. The seismic movements were felt strongly in neighboring "Colombia" as well, with material damage also registered in border regions.

Interior Minister "Diosdado Cabello" confirmed that there are collapsed and seriously damaged buildings in the capital "Caracas". He urged citizens to leave their homes if there is visible damage and to avoid staying in dangerous buildings: according to him, the most important thing at the moment is to prevent additional casualties in the event of potential subsequent tremors.

Initially, a tsunami warning was issued for the "Puerto Rico" and "Virgin Islands" region, but after data analysis and sea-level monitoring, it was cancelled. Nevertheless, authorities in coastal regions remain on high alert.

According to data from the presidential office in Venezuela, more than 20 aftershocks have been recorded since the first strong earthquakes. The most severely affected areas are along the country's northern coast, including "La Guaira", "Aragua", "Carabobo", and "Falcon", where there are reports of cracked buildings, disrupted roads, and power outages.

In a post on the platform "X", the US Embassy in Caracas announced that it is "closely monitoring the consequences" of the earthquakes. The diplomatic mission urged people to "avoid affected areas and not enter damaged buildings". Additional guidelines state that citizens should follow local media for up-to-date information and "seek secure shelter" if needed.

The situation in Venezuela remains dynamic, and rescue teams are racing against time to reach trapped people and assess the true scale of the destruction. The international community is already beginning to offer assistance in the form of experts, equipment, and humanitarian support for the affected population.