ABC TV channel of Australia has claimed massive casualties in the powerful earthquakes in Venezuela. ABC said that the death toll could hit 0.1 million.
However, on Thursday morning, 32 people died and more than 700 others suffered injuries after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed the latest casualty figures during a national address. She said rescue teams were still gathering information from the worst-affected areas.
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck the same region on Wednesday. According to the United States Geological Survey, the second quake followed the first within less than a minute.
Rodriguez stated that emergency officials had recorded at least 20 aftershocks following the initial tremors. Consequently, authorities declared a nationwide state of emergency.
The powerful earthquakes caused widespread destruction across several areas. Buildings collapsed in the capital, while thousands of residents rushed into the streets seeking safety.
Rescue workers, volunteers, and local residents continued searching through debris for possible survivors. In several locations, teams climbed over rubble as relatives desperately looked for missing family members.
An AFP journalist reported that a 22-storey building collapsed completely in Caracas’ Altamira district. Meanwhile, rescue efforts continued throughout the night.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said authorities had identified several damaged structures. Therefore, officials ordered precautionary evacuations from affected buildings.
Cabello also confirmed the temporary suspension of gas supplies to some properties. He said the measure aimed to prevent additional accidents and explosions.
Residents described scenes of panic as the earthquakes struck. Bank employee Odalis Escalona said walls cracked, ceilings collapsed, and parts of buildings suffered severe damage.
According to the USGS, the first earthquake occurred near the coastal town of Moron. The agency reported that the second and stronger quake struck approximately 45 kilometers away.
The earthquakes also disrupted transportation infrastructure. Authorities closed Maiquetia International Airport after officials identified significant structural damage to airport facilities.
Emergency crews remain deployed across affected regions. Meanwhile, officials continue rescue operations and damage assessments as concerns grow that the casualty toll could rise further in the coming days.
