Two powerful earthquakes of 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude near Venezuelan coast, panic in many areas

Two consecutive powerful earthquakes struck near Venezuela’s coastal region on Wednesday evening, sparking widespread panic across the area. Measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, the tremors shook buildings in several cities and forced residents to flee their homes. Reports of building collapses in various locations have also emerged following the sudden shocks.

The situation turned critical after the quakes, with panicked residents gathering in the streets. Disruptions to power and communication services in several areas hampered initial relief and rescue efforts. The tremors were so intense that their impact extended far beyond Venezuela, reaching cities in Brazil’s Amazon region—approximately 1,700 kilometers away—where buildings were also evacuated as a safety precaution.

Local authorities and emergency agencies mobilized for relief operations following the quakes. The situation in affected areas is being assessed, and efforts to compile detailed damage reports are underway. However, the government has not yet officially confirmed any casualties during the initial hours.

Meanwhile, the incident has also sparked political debate. Late Wednesday night, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that she had been preparing to address the nation but was delayed by the post-earthquake situation; she indicated that she would soon issue a formal statement regarding the country’s status.

However, the opposition and general public expressed frustration over the lack of a detailed public address from the government for three hours after the quake. Many questioned the speed of the government’s response and its disaster management capabilities, with sharp reactions surfacing on social media as well.

Edmundo González, the opposition’s 2024 presidential candidate, commented on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), stating that uncertainty only exacerbates the difficulty of the situation. His statement is being viewed as a criticism of the government’s delayed response.

A full assessment of the damage caused by the earthquake has not yet been completed, but there are reports of building damage and injuries in several locations. Emergency teams have reached the affected areas and are working to bring the situation under control.

According to experts, a series of high-intensity earthquakes poses a serious threat to any region, potentially leading to landslides, structural damage, and widespread chaos. In coastal areas, the risk of tsunamis following an earthquake is also monitored, although no such warning has been confirmed in this instance.

For now, the government’s priority is to accelerate relief and rescue operations and deliver aid to those affected. The administration has urged people to stay in safe locations and pay attention to official announcements.

This event has emerged as a major natural disaster for Venezuela, affecting not only local life but also raising questions about safety and disaster management preparedness across the entire region.