Death toll rises to 164 as Venezuela reels from twin earthquakes
At least 164 people have been confirmed dead and 971 others injured following a pair of powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela early Thursday, acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced in a televised update. The back-to-back tremors, the most powerful to hit the Latin American country in a century, caused widespread destruction, flattening buildings in the capital Caracas and triggering tsunami alerts that were later withdrawn.
Two quakes struck within 40 seconds
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.1 at a shallow depth of 13 kilometres, with its epicentre west of Moron, a coastal community about 168 kilometres west of Caracas. Just 40 seconds later, a second, more violent tremor of magnitude 7.5 struck the same area at a depth of 10 kilometres, its epicentre roughly 16 kilometres southwest of Moron. The shallow depths and proximity to populated areas intensified the devastation.
Authorities fear higher death toll as search continues
Rodriguez noted that the region has experienced at least 30 aftershocks since the main quakes. Emergency teams are pressing on with search and rescue operations amid vast numbers of destroyed and damaged buildings. According to CNN, authorities fear the actual number of fatalities could be significantly higher as crews work to clear rubble and reach trapped survivors.
United Nations and IMF support sought
In an interview with Venezuela's state broadcaster, Rodriguez confirmed she is coordinating with the United Nations to deploy rescue teams. She is also in discussions with the International Monetary Fund to establish an initial fund of USD 200 million for the reconstruction of the nation, CNN reported.
Tsunami warnings issued and withdrawn
Following the severe seismic activity, the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. However, these warnings were subsequently withdrawn as no significant waves materialised.
