Caracas, 25 June (H.S.):
The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 164, while at least 971 people have been injured, according to the latest available information. The twin earthquakes caused widespread destruction across the country, prompting authorities to declare a national emergency as rescue and relief operations continue.
Offers of international assistance have begun pouring in from around the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India stands ready to provide all possible assistance to Venezuela. Several countries, including China, the United States, Ecuador, Qatar, Mexico, and El Salvador, have also announced relief and rescue support for the disaster-stricken nation.
According to media reports citing the United States Geological Survey, the first earthquake, measuring 7.1 in magnitude, struck at approximately 6:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday. Just one minute later, a stronger earthquake measuring 7.5 struck the same region. Both earthquakes were centered near the coastal city of Morón, located about 160 kilometres west of Caracas. The shallow depth of only 10 kilometres significantly amplified the destructive impact of the tremors.
The worst-hit area has been the northern coastal state of La Guaira, which the government has officially declared a disaster zone. Dozens of buildings have collapsed, while disruptions to communication networks in several areas have hampered relief and rescue efforts.
In Caracas and surrounding regions, numerous multi-storey buildings also collapsed. The government has declared a nationwide state of emergency. Power supply and mobile communication networks have been disrupted in the capital, while Simón Bolívar International Airport has been closed after sustaining damage.
Metro services and natural gas supplies have also been temporarily suspended. Classes in schools have been cancelled, and several educational institutions are being converted into relief camps and temporary shelters for displaced residents.
Rescue teams continue to carry out intensive operations to locate and evacuate people trapped beneath collapsed structures as authorities race against time to save survivors.
Rises to 164, Injuries Reach 971
Good Headline: Venezuela Battles Widespread Devastation as Twin Earthquakes Kill 164 and Injure Nearly 1,000
CARACAS, June 25: The death toll from the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 164, while at least 971 people have been injured, according to the latest available information. The twin earthquakes caused widespread destruction across the country, prompting authorities to declare a national emergency as rescue and relief operations continue.
Offers of international assistance have begun pouring in from around the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India stands ready to provide all possible assistance to Venezuela. Several countries, including China, the United States, Ecuador, Qatar, Mexico, and El Salvador, have also announced relief and rescue support for the disaster-stricken nation.
According to media reports citing the United States Geological Survey, the first earthquake, measuring 7.1 in magnitude, struck at approximately 6:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday. Just one minute later, a stronger earthquake measuring 7.5 struck the same region. Both earthquakes were centered near the coastal city of Morón, located about 160 kilometres west of Caracas. The shallow depth of only 10 kilometres significantly amplified the destructive impact of the tremors.
The worst-hit area has been the northern coastal state of La Guaira, which the government has officially declared a disaster zone. Dozens of buildings have collapsed, while disruptions to communication networks in several areas have hampered relief and rescue efforts.
In Caracas and surrounding regions, numerous multi-storey buildings also collapsed. The government has declared a nationwide state of emergency. Power supply and mobile communication networks have been disrupted in the capital, while Simón Bolívar International Airport has been closed after sustaining damage.
Metro services and natural gas supplies have also been temporarily suspended. Classes in schools have been cancelled, and several educational institutions are being converted into relief camps and temporary shelters for displaced residents.
Rescue teams continue to carry out intensive operations to locate and evacuate people trapped beneath collapsed structures as authorities race against time to save survivors.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
