Massive Earthquake Devastates Venezuela
Hundreds of people are feared dead and thousands injured after Venezuela's largest earthquake in over a century struck near the town of Morón. Two quakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 hit 39 seconds apart, causing widespread destruction in the capital Caracas and along the northern coast.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez expressed condolences and confirmed that the worst damage was in Caracas, about 100 miles east of the epicenter, and along the northern coast. Rescue operations are underway as teams search for survivors trapped under rubble.
Worst-Hit Areas
In La Guaira, the coastal area near the capital's airport, buildings collapsed and the airport sustained severe damage, forcing its closure. Metro and train systems were halted, and rescue teams were redirected to the area. The seaside town of Catia La Mar saw dozens of buildings, including seafront hotels and condominiums, collapse, particularly in the Playa Grande neighborhood.
In central Caracas, the neighborhoods of Altamira and Los Palos Grandes, home to foreign embassies and upscale residences, experienced significant destruction. A Guardian reporter witnessed at least three collapsed buildings in Altamira, with people trapped and relatives weeping for missing loved ones. The JW Marriott hotel, serving as the US's unofficial embassy, was badly shaken, with guests fleeing for cover.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
In the Baruta district of Caracas, three people died after two buildings collapsed, according to the district mayor. The mayor of Chacao district reported one death, four collapsed buildings, and 22 hospitalizations. Rescue workers and volunteers are searching for survivors, with intensive operations ongoing in Catia La Mar, where dozens of buildings have collapsed.
Rodríguez stated, 'Dozens of buildings have collapsed there … and we are currently carrying out intensive rescue operations to save lives.' The earthquake's epicenter was near the coastal town of Morón in Carabobo state, with damage also reported in Naguanagua and Valencia.
