Venezuela Hit by Double Quake
Two shallow earthquakes kill at least 235 and injure 4,300 in Caracas and La Guaira.
The update
Two powerful shallow earthquakes struck Venezuela seconds apart, killing at least 235 people and injuring at least 4,300. The first 7.2-magnitude quake was followed by a stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor, both occurring close to the surface and causing severe destruction in Caracas and La Guaira. The quakes struck at 18:04 local time on a national holiday, meaning more people would have been at home than on a normal weekday.
Why it matters
The disaster struck on a national holiday when more people would have been at home. Venezuela’s already struggling economy and health system now face recovery challenges. The US has pledged $150m in aid, with transport ships and aircraft being sent to support rescue efforts. Several countries have pledged to help the rescue efforts as the death toll continues to climb.
What to watch
Rescuers continue searching through rubble in Caracas and La Guaira, where buildings were heavily damaged. The death toll is expected to rise as more victims are found. Recovery efforts may be complicated by Venezuela’s existing economic crisis and damaged infrastructure. Many more people are feared dead, with others left homeless or too afraid to stay in damaged buildings.