Rescuers desperately search for survivors after two deadly earthquakes caused massive damage in Venezuela. The death toll from the tragedy has already reached 235 while over 4300 are injured. Rescuers are searching through rubble to save lives and rescue survivors after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela near the capital, Caracas.
The first earthquake measured 7.2 on the richter scale, which was followed seconds later by an even stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake. Â The first earthquake centred 20.3km below the surface, while the second one was at a depth of 10km.
Most of the casualties have been recorded in Venezuela’s northern coastal region of La Guaira which has faced massive destruction from the earthquakes.
The death toll is likely to rise further as the rescuers go through the debris. Several others have been left homeless or are right now too afraid to stay in damaged, unsafe buildings. People are resorting to sleeping in the streets after the disaster.
Jorge RodrÃguez, the president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, has said that nearly 250 buildings have been destroyed in the earthquake.
Venezuela’s main international airport, in MaiquetÃa on the outskirts of Caracas, has also been closed due to serious damage from the earthquakes.
Aid has already started pouring in from the international community as several countries step up to help Venezuela at this time.
