Thousands are said to have been killed in the twin earthquake that shook Venezuela on Wednesday evening. Buildings swayed, roads developed cracks, and people were seen running helter-skelter as two powerful tremors one measuring 7.2 and the other 7.5 struck near the capital, Caracas. Around 2 aftershocks had followed the two powerful earthquakes which struck the same area of Venezuela, according to the USGS.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) noted that the first quake was centred 21 kms (13 miles) west of the coastal town of Moron and struck at a depth of 13.2 kilometres. It was preliminarily reported as a 7.1 magnitude quake before being upgraded to a 7.2. In less than a minute a second earthquake measuring at a magnitude of 7.5 struck just north of the first was recorded.
Late Wednesday, US has said it has begun mobilizing assistance to southern America. The strong earthquakes forced evacuation in areas as far as Brazil’s Amazon roughly 1700 kms away. According to USGS, the death is most likely between 10,000 to 1,00,000 however there has been no official notice yet.
Following the tremors, schools were shut down. Though no official announcement were out yet, damage is already visible. “We have buildings, homes, and houses which have collapsed, and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security, civil assistance,” said Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello on state television. Main airport was also shut after tremors spread panic amongst passengers.
Cabello added that the quake could be felt in several states, adding that the Altamira neighbourhood in Caracas had “alarming situations” with collapsed homes and buildings. He urged people to remain outside as aftershocks could further damage some structures.
Meanwhile, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit northeastern Japan shortly after back-to-back quakes shook Venezuela, according to the United States Geological Survey.