At least 32 people were killed and dozens of buildings collapsed after powerful twin earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern coast, according to acting President Delcy Rodríguez. The seismic activity caused widespread infrastructure failure, including the closure of Simon Bolivar International Airport, while emergency crews scramble to rescue survivors in heavily damaged districts across La Guaira and Caracas.
Why is La Guaira considered the epicenter of the disaster?
La Guaira has been declared a disaster zone after suffering the most severe damage from the twin quakes, according to acting President Rodríguez. The coastal state experienced the total collapse of multiple structures, most notably a large waterfront hotel in the city of Macuto that was reduced to rubble. Reports from the town of Catia La Mar confirm several high-rise buildings sustained critical structural failures. The region remains the primary focus for search and rescue operations as officials attempt to account for residents trapped under debris.
How has the earthquake impacted regional transportation?
The Simon Bolivar International Airport, the primary gateway to the capital city of Caracas, has suspended all operations due to severe infrastructure damage, Rodríguez stated. On-site video footage shows significant destruction within the terminal, including collapsed ceilings and layers of dust and debris covering the floors. The airport’s closure complicates the arrival of international aid and complicates the movement of emergency personnel into the most affected zones.
Infrastructure in coastal regions is often built to withstand specific environmental pressures, but high-magnitude seismic events can bypass these safeguards, leading to the “pancaking” of floors seen in several Macuto high-rises.
What is the current situation in Caracas?
Casualties have been confirmed across several Caracas municipalities as rescue efforts continue. In the Baruta district, the local mayor reported three deaths resulting from the collapse of two buildings. Nicolás Maduro Guerra, son of the ousted president, told CNN that four major building collapses have been identified in the capital: two in San Bernardino, one in Pinto Salinas, and one in El Paraiso. In the Chacao municipality, more than 500 emergency workers are currently deployed to manage structural failures. Local authorities confirmed that gas lines have been shut off and significant portions of the city are without power.
Comparison of Impact: Coastal vs. Inland Regions
While La Guaira faces a “true tragedy” with total structural losses, the impact on inland states varies. According to Rodríguez, the northwestern states of Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcón have experienced power failures and infrastructural strain, though the intensity of building collapses appears concentrated in the northern coastal corridor. Unlike the localized destruction in Caracas, the northwestern states are reporting systemic utility failures rather than mass building collapses, suggesting a geographic variance in seismic intensity.
Pro Tip: Emergency Preparedness
In the event of a major earthquake, experts recommend immediately moving to an open area away from high-rise buildings and power lines. If you are indoors, stay away from glass windows and exterior walls until the shaking stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Simon Bolivar International Airport open?
- No, the airport is currently closed due to severe infrastructure damage sustained during the earthquakes.
- How many people have died in the earthquake?
- According to acting President Delcy Rodríguez, at least 32 people have been confirmed dead, though officials warn this number could rise as rescue efforts progress.
- Which areas are most affected?
- The coastal state of La Guaira has been declared a disaster zone. Heavy damage and casualties are also reported in Caracas, particularly in the Baruta and Chacao municipalities.
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