Two powerful earthquakes struck near Caracas on Wednesday, killing at least 235 people and leaving hundreds trapped under rubble, according to an updated toll confirmed by Venezuela’s Health Ministry on Thursday. Many others remain missing.
In an interview with state television, Health Minister Alvaro said: “Unfortunately, we have received about 235 patients at our health centres who died before reaching us or died shortly after arriving.”
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake, measuring 7.2 in magnitude, struck near San Felipe, approximately 284 kilometres west of Caracas, at 6:04pm local time on Wednesday. Thirty-nine seconds later, a second earthquake measuring 7.5 struck near Umar, approximately 293 kilometres west of Caracas. The twin quakes are the most powerful to strike Venezuela since 1900.
Venezuela’s infrastructure was already fragile following years of economic crisis. Ongoing aftershocks have impeded rescue operations.
National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodriguez said at least 1,520 people have been injured and more than 250 buildings completely or partially destroyed, including at least eight hospitals, the Venezuelan Red Cross headquarters and the French embassy.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said approximately 70,000 families in La Guaira state had been affected.
La Guaira, a coastal state adjoining Caracas, is home to the capital’s main international airport. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared it a disaster zone. She said efforts were under way to deploy private-sector heavy machinery to accelerate rescue work. Power supplies to the state have been disrupted and Caracas airport has been closed due to structural damage. Emergency workers and volunteers continued rescue operations at collapse sites across the region.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report