Double earthquake in Venezuela causes destruction and panic in Caracas
via Le Mauricien5 min read
Two powerful earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 according to the US seismological service, struck Venezuela on Wednesday, leading to collapsed buildings and scenes of panic in the capital, Caracas. The interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, declared a state of emergency and announced the closure of Caracas airport due to severe damage. The United States Geological Survey reported the first tremor occurred at 18:04 local time 22:04 GMT at a depth of 21.9 km, approximately 200 km west of Caracas. A second tremor of magnitude 7.5 at a depth of 10 km was recorded 39 seconds later, 45 km away, followed by about twenty aftershocks. The USGS described it as a "double event" and a "catastrophe of considerable magnitude," anticipating a heavy toll and significant damage. In Caracas, AFP photographers observed rescue efforts around collapsed buildings, with people being pulled from the rubble. An AFP journalist witnessed a 22-story building completely destroyed in the Altamira district. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed multiple building collapses in the capital, ordered gas supply cuts to prevent accidents, and reported injuries without providing detailed figures. Many panicked residents rushed into the streets, fearing aftershocks. Heidi Romero, a 42-year-old shopkeeper, described the experience as "incredible," while Odalis Escalona, 54, working in a bank, recounted, "The whole wall cracked, things fell from the ceiling. It was horrible." Power outages were report
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Mauricien.
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