Major earthquakes in Venezuela – thousands feared dead
Two powerful earthquakes have hit Venezuela. They have caused damage in several states and so far 32 people have been confirmed dead.
Seismologist Björn Lund compares the earthquakes to the one that occurred in Haiti in 2010, when over 200,000 people died.
“It is likely that there are many victims and extensive damage and that the disaster is widespread,” states the USGS.
At least 32 people are reported to have died in connection with the quake and at least 700 more have been injured, according to Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez. The number is expected to rise because data is still missing from the areas of the country that are believed to be the worst affected.
The magnitude of the first earthquake has been measured at 7.2. The second at 7.5.
Homes collapsed
The quakes occurred within a minute in locations that were 45 kilometers apart off Morón on the Venezuelan coast. According to the USGS, the quakes occurred at depths of 22 and 10 kilometers, respectively. More than 20 aftershocks have been recorded, according to the Venezuelan government.
“We urge our people to remain calm. We urge unity,” Delcy Rodríguez said in a short address to the nation late Wednesday, local time.
The earthquakes are among the most powerful to hit Venezuela in more than a century.
According to the USGS’s formal assessment for earthquakes of this magnitude, there is a risk of thousands of deaths.
Buildings and homes in the capital Caracas have been evacuated and many homes are reported to have collapsed completely. A 22-story building is completely destroyed, according to an AFP journalist. The government is urging people to stay outdoors.
“Always major damage”
Björn Lund, senior lecturer in seismology at Uppsala University, compares the earthquakes to the one that occurred in Haiti in 2010 when over 200,000 people died.
– It is similar in size to the quake, that it occurred in a very densely populated area and in a coastal area with soft rocks that cause major movements of the earth's surface. I hope it will not be as bad. But with earthquakes that occur in densely populated areas, there is always major damage, he tells TT.
– A large number of aftershocks are also expected, which can be difficult for rescue personnel.
At this stage, there is no information about Swedes who have been injured in the quake, the press service of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs tells TT. Nearly 20 people are said to have contacted a voluntary so-called Swedish list.
The United States is sending emergency workers and medical personnel to the country, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Earlier this year, the United States forcibly overthrew Venezuela's former leader Nicolás Maduro, after which new ties have been forged.
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