At least 164 people have died and 1,000 injured, say initial official reports. Affected areas include La Guaira, where a church collapsed and some of its members trapped.
Damage caused by the earthquakes that hit Venezuela on 24 June. / Venezolana de Televisión
Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela on Wednesday 24 June, leaving a preliminary death toll of at least 164 and 1,000 people injured, according to local authorities.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) warned that the magnitude of the earthquakes could lead to a considerable increase in the number of deaths, as well as significant economic losses for the country.
The first, measuring 7.2 in magnitude, struck the central coastal region at 6:04 pm, with its epicentre near San Felipe in Yaracuy state. The second, which was more powerful, hit near the municipality of Yumare, slightly further north, with a magnitude of 7.5.
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The acting president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, declared a state of emergency to address the tragedy. She reported that the worst affected areas were Caracas, La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcón, and that “over 20 aftershocks” have been recorded across the country. She also confirmed that airport infrastructure had been severely damaged and would remain closed.
Gustavo Duque, the mayor of the municipality of Chacao in the capital, reported the collapse of an eight-storey building and a 12-storey building. One of the first reports came from Baruta. The authorities there reported that three people had died following the collapse of two buildings in the municipality.
Following the earthquakes, power cuts began to be reported in various sectors of Caracas, La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo and other areas of the country.
After the earthquakes, tsunami alerts were issued for Venezuela, Aruba, Bonaire, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands, but were later cancelled.
The Foundation for Venezuelan Seismological Research (Funvisis) has previously stated that 'Venezuela is located in a complex geodynamic context, resulting from the interaction between the Caribbean and South American plates. The movement of the Caribbean plate towards the east in relation to the South American plate produces significant seismic activity".
Evangelical churches in Venezuela have called for prayers for the nation on social media. Many national and international evangelical ministries and churches worldwide have done the same.
In a video posted on Instagram, pastor Carlos Arizmendi reported that the Anunciadora de Sion evangelical church in La Guaira had collapsed.
He recounted how he escaped, rescuing a girl, but confirmed that members of the congregation are still trapped under the rubble.
"We have lost everything, but I know that my Redeemer lives and sustains us", said the pastor.
[photo_footer] Christians praying in the street after the earthquake. 'The church is mobilising,' says Pastor Georges Doumat from Venezuela.[/photo_footer]
The staff at the World Vision NGO in Venezuela have experienced the magnitude of the impact first-hand.
María Andreína Pernalete, the organisation's communications director in Caracas, had to leave her damaged apartment building with her family. They are now staying in a nearby convent, which is also sheltering other families.
Luis Colmenárez, an emergency communications specialist, was in a cinema when the earthquake began. "The quake lasted between two and three minutes; it seemed endless”, he recalls.
He says that hospitals are overwhelmed, with patients being treated in the street, and that people are staying outside due to fear of aftershocks.
World Vision has activated its emergency response teams to assess the impact in the areas where it operates.
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