Double earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 caused massive devastation in Venezuela. USGS warns of major damage after 20 aftershocks, while relief operations continue.
Caracas: Wednesday evening has left such a deep wound in the history of Venezuela, which may not be compensated for centuries. Shortly after 6 pm, when people were preparing to return to their homes, suddenly nature showed such ferocity that everything was turned into a pile of debris in a moment. Two devastating earthquakes off the coast of Venezuela and more than 20 aftershocks have brought the entire country to the brink of doom. The rescue work had just begun when an initial estimate by the US Geological Survey (USGS) shocked the entire world. According to experts, the scale of this mega-disaster is so frightening that the death toll may exceed 10,000 to 100,000 (1 lakh). Acting President Delsey Rodriguez has declared a national emergency while addressing the nation.
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What is the scary secret of ‘Doublet’? Earth explodes twice in one minute
In the world of geology, this phenomenon is considered the most dangerous, which is called ‘Doublet’ earthquake. This means two devastating earthquakes occurring back-to-back, within a very short period of time.
- First blow: According to the USGS, the intensity of the first earthquake measured 7.2 (foreshock) on the Richter scale. Its epicenter was at a depth of 22 kilometers near the Moron area, 168 kilometers west of Caracas.
- Second blow: Before people could recover from the first shock, just one minute later the main earthquake of 7.5 magnitude occurred, whose depth was only 10 kilometers.
This double blow increased the devastation manifold. The buildings which were in ruins due to the first shock, were completely razed to the ground by the second shock, making the task of rescuing the people buried under the debris almost impossible.
Chaos at Simon Bolivar Airport: Terminal roof collapsed!
The impact of this great earthquake was also very frightening on Venezuela’s main and busiest airport, ‘Simon Bolivar International Airport’. Due to the violent tremors of the earthquake, a large part of the roof of the passenger terminal area collapsed and fell down. The collapse of the roof spread a cloud of concrete debris and dust throughout the terminal complex, causing panic among the passengers and airport staff present there. The authorities hurriedly evacuated the entire airport and in view of the huge damage, it has been completely closed indefinitely. Along with this, classes in schools and colleges have been canceled for several days in view of security across the country.
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Home furnishings scattered on the streets: When the walls disappeared before our eyes
The scene of the capital Caracas currently looks like a war-torn area. As soon as the earthquake occurred, multi-storey buildings were shaking in such a way that people ran towards the streets screaming. According to eyewitnesses, they saw entire walls collapsing before their eyes. Due to the collapse of the walls, the furniture kept inside the houses was clearly visible to the people standing on the streets. Two of Caracas’ busiest neighborhoods, normally bustling with restaurants and markets, are now shrouded in huge plumes of dust and smoke. Frightened people are taking shelter in the streets and open fields and are searching for their loved ones.
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Destructive waves rise in the sea: Tsunami alert extended to Virgin Islands
The echoes of the most powerful earthquake of this century crossed the borders of Venezuela and reached the Caribbean Sea. Immediately after the earthquake, the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a high-alert tsunami alert for the Virgin Islands. Along with this, officials of the Dominican Republic also issued a warning for their islands. However, another alert issued for Puerto Rico was later lifted, but coastal areas are still under strict surveillance.
Acting President Delsey Rodriguez made an emotional appeal to the public, saying, “We urge people to remain calm and maintain unity.” To prevent explosions and arson, gas supply has been stopped in the entire affected area. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has appealed to all doctors and healthcare professionals in the country to immediately reach hospitals to save the lives of the injured amid more than 20 consecutive aftershocks. Rescue operations are being carried out day and night to rescue the lives buried under the debris.