32 killed and 700 injured in Venezuela after two earthquakes

As a result of two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude that struck off the coast of Venezuela, at least 32 people were killed and approximately 700 others sustained various injuries. This was announced by the country's acting president Delcy Rodríguez on national television.

As reported by BAKU.WS citing Reuters, the disaster caused widespread destruction in several regions of the country. According to Rodríguez, people remain trapped under rubble, and rescuers continue round-the-clock search and rescue operations. She emphasized that the authorities are doing everything possible to save those affected.

The acting head of state called the incident one of the most severe tragedies in recent years. She also noted that international rescue teams would arrive in Venezuela shortly and expressed gratitude to foreign nations for their support and readiness to provide assistance.

Earlier, specialists from the United States Geological Survey had warned of a high probability of catastrophic consequences. According to preliminary assessments by American experts, the death toll could have reached tens of thousands of people. Furthermore, the economic losses from the natural disaster could amount to up to 5% of the country's gross domestic product.

Two powerful tremors occurred on the night of June 25 off the coast of Venezuela within a short interval of each other. According to foreign media reports, these are among the strongest earthquakes recorded in the country in over a century. In response to the emergency situation, the authorities declared a state of emergency, and Caracas international airport temporarily suspended operations.

Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello had earlier reported extensive damage to residential buildings and other structures. Fire service, police, and civil defense units were mobilized to deal with the aftermath of the disaster.

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