Death Toll From Venezuela Earthquakes Rises to 235
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela less than a minute apart on Wednesday afternoon local time. Photo: Collected
The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela has risen to 235, the country’s health minister, Carlos Alvarado confirmed in a televised address on Thursday evening local time.
Alvarado said more than 4,300 people have been injured in the disaster so far.
“By 7 pm, we had treated more than 4,300 injured people. Most suffered minor injuries, but many others are in moderate to critical condition,” the health minister said. “A significant number of the injured required emergency surgery.”
“Unfortunately, we have recorded 235 victims who died before reaching hospitals or were pronounced dead after arriving at medical facilities,” Alvarado said, expressing sorrow over the tragedy.
The twin earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon local time, less than a minute apart. Following the disaster, the government led by President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency.
According to the BBC, the first earthquake measured 7.2 in magnitude and was centered in Carabobo state, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the capital, Caracas.
Just 39 seconds later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The USGS warned that the second quake could result in catastrophic casualties and damage. Its preliminary assessment estimated a 44% probability of more than 10,000 deaths and a 30% probability of fatalities exceeding 100,000.
Source: BBC ( Adapted)
