Venezuela rocked by 7.5, 7.2 earthquakes: What happened and what we know

Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after two back-to-back earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck, killing at least 32 people. A major search and rescue operation is under way after Wednesday’s quakes caused widespread damage, especially in the capital, Caracas. Recommended Stories list of 1 item end of list Emergency crews are searching through the rubble of collapsed buildings while authorities closed the country’s main airport in Caracas, suspended classes and mobilised health workers to respond to the disaster. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable”, and US President Donald Trump said the quakes – some of the strongest in more than a century – caused “a devastating number of deaths”. Here is what we know: What happened in Venezuela? Venezuela was struck by the quakes about 6:04pm (22:04 GMT) on Wednesday as it was marking a national holiday commemorating the 1821 Battle of Carabobo. The government declared a state of emergency as emergency crews responded to widespread damage. In a televised address, acting President Delcy Rodriguez urged doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers to report immediately to hospitals and clinics to help treat the injured. …