politics
The Venezuela earthquakes
Two powerful earthquakes, a magnitude 7.5 and a magnitude 7.2, struck within minutes of each other causing buildings to collapse in the capital of Caracas, with high damage and casualties predicted
TL;DR
- Two major earthquakes, magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela.
- The quakes occurred within a minute of each other, with epicenters near Moron.
- The USGS predicted high casualties and extensive damage.
- Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency.
- The country's main airport and metro/train systems were closed or halted due to severe damage.
- The capital, Caracas, and the states of Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcón are the most affected.
- Many Venezuelans were home due to a public holiday.
- Rescue efforts are ongoing.
- The US state department is mobilizing assistance, including search and rescue teams.
- Over 20 aftershocks have been felt.
- Collapsed homes and buildings were reported in Caracas' Altamira neighborhood.