KATHMANDU: More than 20 aftershocks have struck Venezuela following the initial major earthquakes, forcing residents to spend the night in open areas and on the streets.
The northern coastal regions of La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcon have been reported among the worst affected areas.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed sorrow over the disaster in a post on Truth Social, describing the earthquakes as devastating and offering immediate support.
He wrote that the two major earthquakes had caused widespread destruction and significant loss of life and said the United States was ready to provide assistance, adding that government agencies had already been directed to respond quickly.
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, centered near the capital, Caracas. According to reports, the earthquakes measured magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 and occurred within seconds of each other, causing extensive damage and raising concerns over casualties.
Following the disaster, acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency. Authorities also shut down the country’s main international airport after it sustained serious damage. The US Geological Survey warned that the earthquakes could result in extensive destruction and a high number of casualties.
As the earthquakes struck during a national holiday, many people were inside their homes at the time. Tremors were also felt in neighboring Colombia, including the capital Bogotá, and extended into parts of Brazil. Rescue teams and security personnel have been deployed to search for survivors trapped under collapsed structures.
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