At least 32 people have been killed and 700 others injured after two massive earthquakes struck Venezuela in rapid succession near the capital Caracas. The first earthquake, measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale, hit late on Wednesday, June 24 local time. Just 39 seconds later, an even more powerful 7.5-magnitude tremor shook the South American nation.
Destruction and Rescue Efforts
Video clips shared on social media showed vehicles shaking violently, smoke engulfing streets, and damage inside buildings. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed the death toll and injury count, according to local media reports. The US Geological Survey had warned that significant casualties and widespread devastation were likely, with large areas expected to be affected.
Individuals are trapped beneath debris of structures damaged by the tremors. Grief-stricken locals are assisting emergency services in sifting through wreckage for survivors. Olky Barrero, a 56-year-old teacher involved in search operations, told the Guardian: "It was horrible. We hope to God that there are as few victims as possible. We're praying."
Eyewitness Accounts and Tsunami Fears
Residents rushed to flee as buildings shook. Roberto Damas described the experience: "The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong. We were walking and it was tossing us around. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out."
Residents in coastal regions feared a potential tsunami following the earthquakes. However, US Tsunami Warning Centres confirmed that the tsunami threat has passed and there is no ongoing danger.
