Powerful earthquakes collapse buildings in Caracas
Two massive earthquakes measuring up to 7.5 magnitude have hit Venezuela, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas and raising fears of high casualties as rescuers search the rubble
Two powerful back-to-back earthquakes have struck Venezuela, causing buildings to collapse in the capital city of Caracas and prompting officials to warn that high casualties are likely. The first earthquake was reported at a magnitude of 7.1 or 7.2 near the city of Moron, followed shortly by a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake in the same area. The intense tremors sent panicked residents running into the streets as structures shook and crumbled.[1][2]
In Caracas, rescue efforts are heavily focused on the Altamira area, where volunteers, medics, and relatives of victims have rushed to search for survivors trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Among the severely damaged structures is a block of flats known as Residencias Obelisco. People from across the region have converged on the site hoping to help save those who may be trapped.[1]
The urgency of the situation has drawn immediate help from community members. One volunteer, José Morillo, described his rush to the scene of the collapsed block of flats, stating, "I live far away [but] ... I came here riding my motorbike as fast as I could." As rescue operations continue, officials fear the death toll and casualty numbers could rise significantly due to the scale of the destruction.[1][2]
