US Agency Warns Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Could Exceed 10,000
- Two powerful earthquakes in Caracas, Venezuela, left at least 32 dead and over 700 injured
- Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has declared a state of emergency and closed the airport
- It is reported that search and rescue operations are underway as buildings collapse and power outages persist
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues.
Caracas, Venezuela - Back-to-back powerful earthquakes have killed at least 32 people, injured 700, and collapsed buildings in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.
It was gathered that many people were at home celebrating a national holiday when the quakes struck at 18:04 local time.
Source: Twitter
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency following the tragic incident.
Rodriguez added that the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas is closed due to damage.
As reported by BBC News, the US Geological Survey earlier calculated a 44% chance of more than 10,000 fatalities, and a 30% chance of more than 100,000.
The quakes, which had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, hit an area west of the capital.
Rescuers in the capital are searching through the rubble, and people have been heard calling for help.
Buildings are without power, and the metro system is completely closed.
Venezuela earthquake death toll could exceed 10,000
According to Al Jazeera, the US Geological Survey estimated that the death toll could likely range from 10,000 to 100,000.
Reactions as Venezuela earthquakes kill 32, injure 700
@Almustarpher
Absolutely heartbreaking. Praying for every family in Venezuela right now. May Allah have mercy on the victims and protect the survivors.
@xixedhellonja
Let's hope every country doesn't wait for the toll to rise to help bc speed of reaction is extremely vital in these cases.
@k_rocks1
This is heartbreaking. They all had plans yesterday!
@cardmaster30
There goes Trump's oil buddy. Will he come to the rescue, or will this just be another country he is going to desert when he no longer requires them?
@Earworm_nz
Dear God. The world needs to help Venezuela.
@choptopmoseley
How can we help?
Afghanistan earthquake: Tragedy as 800 people killed
Recall that devastating earthquake destroyed numerous villages in eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 800 people and injuring more than 2,500.
The 6.0 magnitude quake late Sunday, August 31, hit a series of towns in the province of Kunar, near the city of Jalalabad in neighbouring Nangahar province.
Footage showed people frantically digging through rubble with their hands, searching for loved ones in the dead of night.
Is Nigeria at risk of earthquakes?
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that Nigeria often been seen as a zone immune from major earthquakes, but new research challenges that belief.
Studies now show that the country faces a real risk of seismic events, with forecasts pointing to magnitudes as high as 7.1 by 2028.
Experts warn that urgent government action is needed to prepare for these possible disasters and protect lives.
Source: Legit.ng
