Massive Dual Earthquakes Hit Venezuela; Death Toll Feared to Reach Thousands, Emergency Declared

Venezuela: Two massive earthquakes hit Venezuela. They came one minute apart. The first was 7.1 magnitude and the second one was of 7.5. Both hit west of the capital Caracas. Following the incident, the buildings had collapsed and people got buried under rubble. At least 164 people died in Caracas, Capital city of Venezuella. Another 971 were injured but estimates say the death toll could reach 10,000 to 100,000.

How bad is it?

The U.S. Geological Survey said the earthquakes struck about 100 miles west of Caracas. One minute later came the second, with a stronger quake. Emergency response teams were sent out. They are searching through collapsed buildings looking for survivors. Local officials and eyewitnesses said that the buildings fell down and rescue work is ongoing. The number of injured keeps growing.

Government declared emergency?

Venezuela's acting President Delsy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency. She said the government expresses sympathy to families who lost loved ones. But she did not give exact death and injury numbers. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state TV, "Many buildings and homes have fallen. We are using everything available for security and help."

How did people describe this terror?

According to media reports, a 41-year-old woman in western Caracas said that when earchquake was started, we just heard the screams of people. Another 56-year-old man  from eastern Caracas said that the huge noise were there and things were falling in the house. Jars in the fridge fell and I have never felt anything like this earlier.

What America had said?

The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on X that America is in contact with Venezuelan officials and gathering help. He called the earthquake very destructive. The American embassy in Caracas said it is watching the situation closely. It told U.S. citizens to find safe shelter and stay away from damaged areas.

Situation of the Hospitals?

At Hospital de Clinicas in Caracas, staff were told to work double shifts at night to treat the injured. The country's biggest airport in Maiquetía was shut down due to damage. The earthquake hit on a public holiday. It was Venezuela's Independence Day. The country celebrates the day it got freedom from Spain in 1821. People were at home when it hit.

How India reacted?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sadness about the earthquake. He said, "We are deeply sad about the destruction caused by the massive earthquake in Venezuela. On behalf of the Indian people, I express deep sympathy to the Venezuelan government and people, especially to families who lost their loved ones. We pray for the quick recovery of the injured and stand in solidarity with all affected people in this difficult time. India is ready to help in every possible way."

What updates on Oil infrastructure?

The earthquakes did not immediately damage Venezuela's oil infrastructure. The badly hit cities do not have major oil facilities. At Maracaibo, near the big Lake Maracaibo oil center, civil protection officials said no one was injured there.