Venezuela is facing a severe crisis following a series of powerful tremors that have collapsed dozens of buildings and left thousands homeless. According to the latest data, the death toll has reached 164, with another 971 residents injured to varying degrees.
Two Strikes in One Minute
The tragedy struck on the evening of June 24. In the region near the city of Morón on the Caribbean coast, the first tremor with a magnitude of 7.1 was recorded. The epicenter was approximately 168 kilometers from the capital, Caracas. Less than a minute later, nature delivered a second, even more devastating blow: the second earthquake measured 7.5 on the Richter scale.
The disaster caused catastrophic destruction, particularly in Caracas and the coastal city of La Guaira. Dozens of buildings collapsed, turning into piles of concrete and rebar, under which rescuers believe people may still be trapped.
Race Against Time
Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez is personally coordinating government actions. She reported that rescue teams from other regions of the country are being deployed to the most affected city, La Guaira, located north of Caracas.
"Dozens of buildings have collapsed there... and we are currently conducting intensive rescue operations to save lives," the head of state emphasized. Officials are banking on maximizing daylight hours to speed up the clearing of rubble and find those who may still be alive.
Mobilization of Resources and External Aid
To carry out complex operations, the government requires heavy construction machinery. President Rodríguez has appealed to companies to provide specialized equipment for rescue missions. Furthermore, international search and rescue teams certified by the United Nations are already being dispatched to the country.
Parallel to official actions, a tragic drama is unfolding on social media. Dozens of people are posting messages with desperate pleas to help find missing loved ones, whose fates remain unknown amidst the ruins.