Venezuela Hit by Most Devastating Earthquakes in Over a Century

The death toll has risen to 188, while the number of injured has reached 1,520, with 157 still missing after the devastating, back-to back  earthquakes struck on Wednesday evening around 6:00 pm local time in Venezuela, causing buildings to collapse, damaging critical infrastructure, and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people. 

The first quake, a magnitude 7.2, had its epicenter located about 21 kilometers from the city of Montalbán, Carabobo state, while the second quake, a magnitude 7.5, had its epicenter located 23 kilometers   from the city of Yumare, Yaracuy state. The costal state of La Guaira has been the hardest-hit area and was declared a disaster zone, reported Telesur, the multi-state news network based in the Venezuelan capital.  

There have been 138 aftershocks since the impact of the two powerful quakes, reported Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly. 

The horrific videos of the devastation from different locations across the  country went viral on social media and gave a first glimpse of the magnitude of the tragedy, showing buildings collapsing, people taking shelter or evacuating from critically damaged infrastructure.  

This is the most devastating earthquake in the country in more than a century; the strongest earthquake registered in Venezuela was an estimated 7.7 magnitude quake that occurred on October 29, 1900, off the coast of the country, northwest of Caracas.  

Mexican aid on its way

During her morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that a rescue brigade of 200 military personnel is being deployed to Venezuela. The team will arrive with five canine units, four aircraft, a drone, and search and rescue equipment, as well as medical supplies. She noted that in this first stage they will evaluate alongside Venezuelan authorities what other type of aid is needed that Mexico can provide. 

Photo: La Guaira/Social Media