Venezuela earthquakes: What we know so far
The USGS, using predictive modelling to estimate the death toll, said it would most likely run into the thousands, with a substantial probability of exceeding 10,000
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela yesterday (24 June), killing at least 32 people and injuring 700 more as buildings collapsed in and around the capital Caracas, interim President Delcy Rodriguez said.
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160km (100 miles) west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The USGS, using predictive modelling to estimate the death toll, said it would most likely run into the thousands, with a substantial probability of exceeding 10,000.
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Rodriguez said initial figures do not include casualties from La Guaira state, near Caracas and home to the city's airport, which is the worst affected.
"Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and we are currently carrying out very intense rescue efforts to save as many lives as God allows us to save," she said in an appearance on state television just before 1am local time (0500 GMT) on Thursday.
A tsunami warning was issued but swiftly cancelled after the danger passed.
Many Venezuelans were at home when the quakes struck during a public holiday.
Leaders from countries including El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and Brazil offered support and sympathy, while the US State Department said it was in touch with Venezuelan authorities and mobilising assistance.
Additionally, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her solidarity with Venezuelans affected by the earthquakes.
Rodriguez, who has been running the country since the US ouster of Maduro, said she has instructed the foreign ministry to coordinate the aid offers.
So far, what you need to know:
- Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela
- A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160km (100 miles) west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey
- USGS says there is a risk of more than 10,000 deaths
- Official casualty tolls have been slow to come in
- Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez says at least 32 people died and 700 were injured
- US President Donald Trump says there could be a 'devastating number of deaths'
- Trump has offered help to the South American country
- El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil offered support as well
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her solidarity with Venezuelans
- The US military toppled longtime leader Nicolás Maduro in January this year
