Venezuela Earthquakes Cause Widespread Destruction According to Satellite Images

Venezuela Earthquake Devastation: Rescue Efforts Underway

A devastating twin earthquake struck Venezuela on June 24, killing at least 1,430 people and leaving over 51,000 missing. The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurred approximately 40 seconds apart near San Felipe at around 6pm local time.

Since the disaster, more than 302 aftershocks have been reported by authorities. Disaster experts note that the first 72 hours following an earthquake are crucial for rescue efforts, as survival rates decrease significantly after this period. The critical window for rescue operations is set to end on Sunday.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), at least 1,423 infrastructures were affected by the earthquakes. The state of La Guaira has been particularly hard hit, with transport infrastructure suspended and international airports closed. Satellite imagery captured on June 26 shows widespread damage in coastal cities such as Macuto and Caraballeda.

The city of Caraballeda, located on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, is among the hardest-hit communities, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble. The city has become the center of rescue operations, with crews searching collapsed buildings for survivors. The collapse of a 12-storey apartment block in Caraballeda remains one of the largest rescue sites.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, with Save Share Rescue crews and volunteers working to locate survivors amidst the devastation.

Source: Al Jazeera