The second quake had a magnitude of 7.5 with a depth of 10 kilometers.
Twin earthquakes hit Venezuela, schools, airport shut: Twin earthquakes hit Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction and panic among residents. The official figures of casualties haven’t been released. But it is estimated that the death toll could likely range between 10,000 and 100,000.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1. Its epicenter was west of the Morón, located along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometers (104 miles) west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 22 kilometers.
The second quake had a magnitude of 7.5 with a depth of 10 kilometers. Its epicenter was 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Morón. The USGS defined the two earthquakes as ‘foreshock’ and ‘mainshock.’
In a brief address to the nation late Wednesday, acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the earthquakes caused damages in several states. But she did not give any figures on the number of homes and buildings affected, or on injuries or fatalities.
The earthquakes damaged the country’s main airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport, severely enough to lead to its closure, she said, adding that classes were being canceled for several days.’We urge our population to remain calm.’We urge unity.’, Rodríguez said. The President also declared a state of emergency. While schools and airports were shut down after severe structural damages in powerful earthquake.
The Ministry of Education late Wednesday said some schools would be used as shelters and donation centers.
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