Post by : Shakul

Venezuela is facing one of its worst natural disasters in decades after two powerful earthquakes struck within a minute of each other, leaving at least 235 people dead and more than 1,500 injured. Rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings as emergency services work around the clock to locate survivors.

The first earthquake measured 7.2 in magnitude and struck west of Morón, around 168 kilometres from the capital Caracas. Less than a minute later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the same region at a shallower depth, causing even greater destruction across several cities.

State of Emergency Declared

Following the twin earthquakes, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency. Emergency response teams, military personnel and medical workers have been deployed to the worst-hit areas as authorities continue rescue and relief operations.

Several buildings collapsed, roads were damaged and public infrastructure suffered significant losses. Hospitals have been placed on high alert as thousands of injured residents continue to receive treatment.

Rescue Operations Continue Across Affected Areas

Search and rescue teams remain at disaster sites using heavy equipment, rescue dogs and emergency personnel to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures. Officials say rescue operations remain the government's top priority as aftershocks continue to affect the region.

Read More:  Twin Earthquakes Devastate Venezuela, State Of Emergency

Authorities have urged residents to stay away from damaged buildings and remain alert for additional seismic activity.

Google Alerts and Starlink Support Communication

Many residents received earthquake warnings through Google's Android Earthquake Alerts system, which detected the seismic activity seconds before strong shaking reached populated areas. Although Venezuela does not have a national earthquake early warning system, the mobile-based alert helped some people seek safety.

Meanwhile, Starlink announced that it will provide free satellite internet services for one month to users in Venezuela while rapidly deploying additional terminals to restore communication in the hardest-hit regions.

Infrastructure Damage Raises Economic Concerns

The earthquakes have disrupted transportation, communications and airport operations in several regions. Experts also warn that damage to ports and logistics networks could temporarily affect Venezuela's growing international trade, including energy exports.

Authorities are conducting structural inspections while utility companies work to restore electricity and communication services.

USGS Warns of Severe Impact

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the twin earthquakes were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century. The agency warned that widespread damage and high casualties were likely because of the powerful shaking and shallow depth of the second earthquake.

More than 20 aftershocks have already been recorded, and experts continue to monitor seismic activity across the region.

Relief Efforts Continue

International agencies and humanitarian organizations are closely monitoring the disaster. Emergency shelters have been established for displaced families while food, water and medical supplies are being distributed across the affected communities.

Officials have urged residents to follow official advisories as rescue operations continue and authorities assess the full extent of the damage.

#Environment #Earthquake News #Disasters #World News