INA–Follow up
Venezuelan President Rodriguez announced on Thursday that at least 164 people have died and 971 have been injured in what has been described as the most powerful earthquake to hit the country since 1900. In a televised address, monitored by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Rodriguez stated that the country was struck by two consecutive earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, followed by more than 20 aftershocks. He added that the earthquakes caused widespread damage, including the collapse of residential buildings and government offices, particularly in the capital, Caracas.
Due to extensive damage, Venezuelan authorities have closed Maiquetía International Airport, the main airport serving Caracas, and suspended classes and rail services to ensure passenger safety.
For its part, the agency explained that its epicenter extended west of the town of Morón on the US coast, at a depth of 13 kilometers, adding that "the tremors were intense and felt in neighboring countries such as Colombia and parts of the Amazon in Brazil."
Since then, Venezuelan authorities have stated that the number of casualties is high and expected to rise during the current situation while confirming that civil defense and rescue teams are continuing their search and rescue efforts under collapsed buildings while relief and aid teams begin arriving in the country.
