Venezuela declares state of emergency after twin earthquakes
Venezuelan authorities have declared a national state of emergency following two powerful, back-to-back earthquakes that struck the country. The tremors caused significant damage to buildings in Caracas and infrastructure at Maiquetia International Airport.
Amalgamated from The Independent (opens in new tab), Times of India (opens in new tab)
Venezuelan authorities have declared a national state of emergency following two consecutive powerful earthquakes that struck the region. The seismic events, recorded at magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, caused substantial structural damage to buildings in the capital city of Caracas.
According to reporting by the Times of India, infrastructure has been heavily impacted, with numerous buildings reduced to rubble. Extensive damage was also reported at Maiquetia International Airport, where the impact on transportation hubs has complicated initial response efforts.
Estimates regarding the death toll from the seismic activity are being assessed by international agencies. The Independent reports that the United States Geological Survey estimates a 44 per cent chance that fatalities could exceed 10,000. Additionally, according to the Times of India, some figures based on data from the United States Geological Survey suggest that the number of casualties could range between 10,000 and 100,000.