Image: from Channels Television X @channelstv
By Open Chronicle with agencies
The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela has climbed to 164, while 971 people have been injured, according to interim President Delcy Rodríguez, as emergency crews continue searching for survivors beneath collapsed buildings.
Authorities fear the number of casualties could continue to rise, with many people still reported missing following the disaster, which prompted the government to declare a nationwide state of emergency.
The magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, with its epicenter located near the city of Morón at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. The shallow depth intensified the shaking, causing severe damage in several urban areas.
Witnesses reported that multiple high-rise residential buildings partially collapsed, while roads, utilities, and public infrastructure also suffered significant damage.
State of Emergency Declared
Following the earthquake, Venezuelan authorities activated emergency response plans and declared a state of emergency to coordinate rescue operations and humanitarian assistance.
Rodríguez confirmed that Caracas’ Maiquetía International Airport was temporarily closed after sustaining structural damage, disrupting both domestic and international flights.
Emergency services, military personnel, and volunteers have been deployed across the affected areas to search for survivors, provide medical assistance, and assess the extent of the destruction.
Tsunami Warnings Issued
The earthquake also prompted authorities to issue a tsunami warning for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as officials monitored potential sea level changes across the Caribbean.
Residents in coastal areas were urged to remain alert while emergency agencies assessed any potential risks. Authorities later continued monitoring conditions as aftershocks remained possible.
Second Powerful Earthquake Strikes Japan
Almost simultaneously, a separate magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan.
The tremor occurred in the Pacific Ocean and prompted Japanese authorities to issue a tsunami warning while emergency officials assessed possible impacts along the country’s northeastern coastline.
Officials in Japan immediately began monitoring coastal communities and infrastructure for any signs of damage.
Rescue Operations Continue
Search and rescue efforts remain underway in Venezuela as emergency responders work around the clock to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Hospitals across the affected regions have been placed on emergency footing to treat the growing number of injured, while authorities continue evaluating damage to homes, transportation networks, and public services.
The twin earthquakes occurring within minutes of each other have placed emergency management agencies in both regions on heightened alert, highlighting the continued seismic activity affecting parts of the Pacific and Caribbean.