A powerful earthquake struck Venezuela’s northern coastal region on Thursday, causing widespread panic. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the quake’s magnitude was recorded at 7.5. The tremor was so strong that people rushed out of their homes, offices, and public buildings in many areas, including the capital, Caracas. According to the USGS, another tremor of magnitude 7.2 was felt about 40 seconds before the main quake. Earthquake specialists are considering it a foreshock. The epicenter is reported to be about 28 kilometers northwest of Montalban.
Videos posted on local media and social media show damage to some buildings, cracked walls, and falling debris. People were seen fleeing for open spaces in many areas. However, detailed official information regarding the actual extent of damage and the number of casualties is awaited from the authorities. Following the earthquake, emergency agencies in the capital and surrounding areas began assessing the situation. Buildings were evacuated as a precaution in many locations.
The situation remains critical following the devastating earthquake in Venezuela. The country’s interim President, Delcy Rodriguez, has reported that at least 32 people have died so far in the disaster, with more than 700 injured. Authorities fear the death toll may rise further, as relief and rescue operations are still ongoing in many affected areas. However, the death toll is feared to be several thousand.
The area near the epicenter of the earthquake also houses some of Venezuela’s most important oil refineries. Therefore, monitoring is being carried out for potential impacts on energy infrastructure. However, no major industrial damage has been officially confirmed at this time.
Immediately after the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning Center issued a precautionary tsunami alert for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and some surrounding areas. The warning was later withdrawn after reviewing available data. Officials stated that no tsunami threat was currently present. Following the earthquake, social media reported widespread damage and possible loss of life, but officials had not confirmed any final figures as of press time. Relief and rescue agencies were gathering information from affected areas.
Local officials reported that the earthquake was one of the most powerful to hit Venezuela in more than a century and was felt throughout the region. Buildings were evacuated even in remote areas, such as the Brazilian Amazon, about 1,700 kilometers (1,050 miles) from the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.
Following the devastating tragedy in Venezuela, India has extended a helping hand through humanitarian assistance. A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), considered an expert in relief and rescue operations, will be sent to the affected area. This move is considered a significant part of India’s global humanitarian assistance policy.