Venezuela's Dark Day: Twin Quakes Create Chaos and Fear
The strongest earthquakes in over a century rocked Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon — causing widespread destruction in the capital of Caracas and leading to fears of high casualties.
A magnitude 7.2 quake struck roughly 100 miles west of Caracas, followed by a 7.5 magnitude tremor just a minute later, according to the US Geological Survey.
“High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread,” the USGS warned.
The USGS initially estimated the death toll could range from a whopping 10,000 to 100,000 casualties, though authorities have not yet put out official estimates on deaths or injuries.
Chaotic footage posted to social media captured terrified people scrambling to safety and shielding their families as ceiling panels collapsed and sparks flew at Maiquetia International Airport.
Videos also showed baseball players and onlookers running into the field of a game in Caracas as the quake hit, shaking power lines and stadium seats.
Emergency responders were forced to climb through the ruins of collapsed buildings as distraught residents searched for their loved ones into Wednesday evening.
Many buildings, including those in Caracas, appeared to be decimated or significantly damaged.
Furniture and rubble were piled on the streets as homeowners stood outside in shock.
The massive geological event occurred as many Venezuelans were at home celebrating Battle of Carabobo Day, a public holiday marking the 1821 victory that helped secure the country’s independence from Spain.
“As soon as it started, we began hearing people screaming,” Astrid Ramirez, a 41-year-old publicist in western Caracas, told Reuters. “Everyone was running down the stairs.”
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the earthquake shook several states.
“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” Cabello said on state television. “Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed.”
The US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat for Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands after the quakes.
But the warning was withdrawn about an hour later.
The quakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century.
The nation lies in a seismically active zone, where the Caribbean Plate meets the South American Plate.
Roughly 30,000 people were killed when an earthquake destroyed much of Merida and Caracas in March 1812, according to the USGS.
With Post wires
