Earthquakes in Venezuela: before and after images that show widespread destruction
Visual records from sites in Venezuela highlight the massive scale of the devastation caused by recent earthquakes. With magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, the tremors that hit the country last Wednesday night (24) redesigned the urban landscape.
Among the buildings severely affected, a hotel development stands out in the coastal region of Macuto, belonging to the state of La Guaira.
Records prior to the earthquakes revealed the establishment operating normally on the seafront. However, after the earthquakes, the same place found itself in complete ruins.
Severe impact hits an important shopping center
In the city of Naguanagua, located in the state of Carabobo, the El Mirador Shopping Center is among the structures that suffered serious damage.
A Google Maps photograph from 2018 showed the complex in full operation. In contrast, images recorded on June 24, after the tremors, show the mall visibly compromised.
Collapse of part of the roof of the main airport
At Simón Bolívar International Airport, located in Maiquetía, the extent of the damage is evident in the area designated for passenger service counters.
Google Maps records from 2010 portrayed the air terminal in full operation. On the other hand, more recent photographs reveal the consequences of earthquakes on the airport infrastructure.
Residential structures also suffered collapses
In La Guaira, the analysis of images from periods before and after the earthquakes illustrates the severe impact on residential buildings and other urban constructions.
Update on the number of victims and the emergency response
After the two major earthquakes that hit Venezuela, the total number of deaths reached 164, as announced on Thursday (25) by President Delcy Rodríguez. The number of injured people was also revised, reaching 971.
The expectation, however, is that the number of fatalities and injuries will rise. The reason lies in the collapse of countless buildings throughout Venezuelan territory, caused by the two tremors — of magnitudes 7.5 and 7.2 — that occurred less than a minute apart. Search operations for survivors continued throughout Thursday, with more than 500 emergency teams dedicated to removing rubble.
International solidarity was readily expressed, with dozens of state and government leaders offering support. They were willing to send both humanitarian aid and medical supplies and specialized rescue teams. Countries such as Brazil, the United States, Türkiye, Mexico and Portugal, many of which have already faced severe earthquakes, are among those offering help.
Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, expressed gratitude for the global support and reported that first responders from other nations are expected in the coming hours.
As an emergency measure, the Venezuelan government decreed the suspension of school activities and all services considered non-essential.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, expressed solidarity with the country and stated that he had instructed all American government agencies to provide assistance.
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China, which maintained important commercial ties with Venezuela in the oil sector, assured that it will provide all the support within its reach.
Details about the earthquakes that hit the country
Venezuela was hit by two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday night (24), generating more than 20 subsequent aftershocks, according to information from the local government. The tremors were also noticed in municipalities in the North of Brazil.
Less than a minute apart, the two earthquakes caused the collapse of buildings and homes in Caracas, the capital, and several other Venezuelan locations. The epicenter of the most intense tremor was identified near El Guayabo, approximately 160 kilometers from Caracas.
Following the earthquakes, interim president Delcy Rodríguez proclaimed a state of emergency in Venezuela. In a statement broadcast on state television, she confirmed the mobilization of rescue, security and civil protection teams to assist the affected areas.
Additionally, Rodríguez announced the cancellation of classes and all services considered non-essential, allowing authorities to focus their efforts on removing people trapped under the rubble. Gas and electricity supply networks were shut down as a precautionary measure against additional disasters.
Depth and the mechanism of earthquakes
According to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), an earthquake of magnitude 7.2 impacted the location at 7 pm, in the Brasília time zone. Then, with an interval of less than sixty seconds, a second tremor of magnitude 7.5 was detected in the same area.
The most intense tremor had its hypocenter approximately 13 kilometers deep. This proximity to the surface is a factor that can significantly amplify the damage caused by tremors in buildings.
Initial reports of fatalities and injuries
In the early hours of Thursday (25), the interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, released an initial toll of 32 deaths and 70 injured people.
The mayor of Chacao, one of the municipalities in the Caracas metropolitan area, reported fatalities and at least 16 injuries following the collapse of two buildings.
Delcy Rodríguez expressed condolences to the families of the victims, while announcing the first emergency measures to deal with the situation.
Destruction and relief mobilization scenario
Testimonies from authorities and residents point to the collapse of buildings and residences both in Caracas and in other affected locations.
Scenes released showed rescue teams working intensely in the wreckage of a building that collapsed in the capital. Distressed relatives also sought news about loved ones who might be buried.
In the coastal area, a hotel with at least eight floors completely collapsed. Records posted on social media platforms expose the structure as completely disfigured, although there was initially no data on deaths or injuries in that specific location.
Simón Bolívar International Airport, the most important air terminal in the country, had its operations suspended due to the damage caused by the earthquakes, according to a government statement.
Hospital units in the capital were quickly mobilized to provide aid to the injured. In one of the hospitals, it was necessary to call in additional employees to strengthen the night shift.
