Two massive earthquakes struck Venezuela in rapid succession Wednesday evening, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 injured as buildings collapsed across the capital and emergency officials declared a state of crisis.
The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed a magnitude 7.2 quake followed 39 seconds later by a more powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake. The dual tremors ranked among the most severe seismic events in Venezuelan history, with scientists warning the confirmed death toll would likely climb as rescue efforts continued.
The shaking struck shortly after 6 p.m., sending panicked travelers scrambling through Simón Bolívar airport as debris rained down in corridors and terminal areas. The facility sustained severe structural damage and was immediately shut down, halting all operations. The capital's metro and train systems were also suspended following the quakes.
Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez announced the state of emergency and confirmed casualty figures. Altamira, an upscale Caracas neighborhood that houses numerous foreign embassies, suffered devastating damage with at least three buildings confirmed collapsed by ground observers.
The U.S. Geological Survey assessed that "high casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread," reflecting the severity of the twin quakes and their potential impact across the country.
Author James Rodriguez: "Two quakes of this magnitude hitting 39 seconds apart is a catastrophe that will reshape how Venezuela approaches infrastructure and emergency preparedness."
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