At least 12 dead after earthquakes strike Venezuela
A series of earthquakes struck Venezuela on Thursday, leaving at least 12 people dead and dozens injured, according to officials. The quakes, which hit the country's northern coast, caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure, triggering landslides and power outages in several states.
Details of the quakes
The strongest earthquake, with a magnitude of 6.3, struck near the city of Puerto Cabello, Carabobo state, at around 11:30 a.m. local time. This was followed by several aftershocks, including a magnitude 5.8 tremor. The US Geological Survey reported that the quakes occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, which amplified their impact.
Impact and rescue efforts
Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed the death toll and stated that rescue teams were working to search for survivors trapped under rubble. She said, "We are deploying all necessary resources to assist those affected and to assess the damage." Hospitals in the affected areas are overwhelmed with injured patients, and emergency services are struggling due to damaged roads and communication networks.
Damage and disruptions
The earthquakes caused significant damage to buildings, including homes, schools, and hospitals. In the state of Carabobo, a hospital partially collapsed, leading to the evacuation of patients. Power lines were downed, leaving thousands without electricity. The government has declared a state of emergency in the affected regions.
International response
Several countries, including Colombia and Brazil, have offered assistance. The United Nations has also expressed readiness to provide aid. However, Venezuela's ongoing economic and political crisis may hamper relief efforts.
