Two powerful earthquakes rocked Venezuela Wednesday evening, triggering chaos and destruction . First quake hit at 7.2 magnitude,then stronger 7.5 quake followed shortly after,both just past 6 p.m. local time. Tremors sent residents fleeing homes,many spending night in cars or streets, afraid to return to damaged buildings.
In Caracas,Billy Ebrin described chaos as he searched for victims. “You could hear pieces of concrete breaking off walls,” he recalled. Sheltered under doorframe as ground shook violently,his three dogs cowered in fear. “People were bumping into each other in confusion: elderly people,people with pets,even squirrels and parrots. There were people in underwear,” he said, recalling the panic .
La Guaira,north of Caracas, among hardest hit, with many buildings collapsing. Venezuelan National Assembly confirmed at least 188 dead, but US Geological Survey estimates toll could reach thousands. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez called for international help,with Ecuador,Mexico,and U.S. pledging support for rescue efforts.
As rescuers sift through rubble, families desperate for news of missing loved ones . Many turned to social media like WhatsApp,Facebook to share images of those unaccounted for . Government partially lifted restrictions on platform X,blocked since 2024, to aid communication during crisis. Andres Azpurua from Ve sin Filtro noted public pressure led to decision,highlighting urgent need for information.
While some search for family, others thankful to escape with minor injuries. Renny Vargas recounted preventing a wall from falling on his father during quake. “Tremors were so strong. I just about managed to stop a piece of the wall from falling on my dad,” he said. Mairyn Cedeno,another survivor, described chaos as debris fell around her,injuring her leg.
Venezuela's aging infrastructure raises concerns about damage extent. Civil engineer Jesus Vasquez noted many older buildings not designed for such strong quakes. Explained newer structures built to be flexible, older ones suffer severe damage, especially on softer ground. “Buildings can suffer damage,but not in a way that puts people’s lives at risk,” he stated,emphasizing many buildings may need evacuation .
As focus shifts from rescue to recovery, health system's ability to handle influx of casualties under scrutiny, after years of neglect. Schools closed,some turned into emergency shelters. With thousands uncertain about fate of loved ones,situation remains dire in wake of disaster…
