IN BRIEF: Powerful earthquake leaves 32 dead, 700 injured in Venezuela

Earthquake in VenezuelaIN BRIEF: Powerful earthquake leaves 32 dead, 700 injured in Venezuela Two tremors measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 were recorded within 40 seconds of each other© ТАSS/ Reuters/ Anadolu AgencyMOSCOW, June 25. /TASS/. A powerful earthquake hit Venezuela late on June 24. Two tremors measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 were recorded within 40 seconds of each other. The epicenters were located in the state of Yaracuy, ten kilometers apart. According to acting President Delcy Rodriguez, at least 32 people were killed and another 700 suffered injuries; dozens of buildings collapsed. The country’s authorities declared a state of emergency. TASS has gathered the key information on the incident so far. Situation in Venezuela Strong tremors caused several buildings to collapse in Caracas, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said. Venezuela’s authorities declared a state of emergency following the earthquake, Reuters reported, citing acting President Delcy Rodriguez. Maiquetia International Airport in Caracas was closed due to structural damage. The NetBlocks international monitoring service reported Internet disruptions in Venezuela after the quake. Cabello added that several buildings, including homes, had collapsed in Caracas’ earthquake-prone districts of Altamira and Palos Grandes. Casualties and damage were also reported in other parts of the capital. The earthquake in Venezuela resulted in major damage to residential infrastructure, Radio Caracol correspondent Gabriela Gonzalez reported. According to her, this scale of damage has not been seen in 40 years. Authorities suspended gas supplies to homes due to building damage, Cabello noted, as cited by the El Universal media outlet. At least 15 buildings collapsed in the northern state of La Guaira, CNN reported. Transit flights over Venezuela are currently suspended, a regional air traffic control told TASS. The Venezuelan capital was at the epicenter of the earthquake, which caused heavy damage to infrastructure, Venezuelan journalist Jeison Rauseo told Peru's RPP radio station. In addition to Caracas, the city of Valencia also sustained extensive damage, he said. Venezuela’s authorities and the civil defense service have launched rescue operations following the devastating earthquake, Rodriguez announced on Venezolana de Television. Casualties The Venezuelan earthquake left at least 32 people dead and another 700 injured, Reuters reported, citing Rodriguez. Maduro calls for national unity Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is currently in US custody, called on the country’s people to unite in an X post. Venezuela has faced serious challenges before, and it will overcome this one, demonstrating faith, discipline and solidarity, Maduro added. Global response El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela following the strong earthquake. He said his country’s government had formed a team of 300 rescuers and doctors to be sent to Venezuela, along with 50 metric tons of equipment and medicines, to help the country deal with the disaster aftermath. Bolivia’s government expressed hope for the success of search and rescue operations following the powerful earthquake in Venezuela. US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would assist Venezuela in response efforts. The US will send search and rescue teams, medical supplies and humanitarian aid to Venezuela, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed deep concern over the Venezuelan earthquake and ordered the Foreign Ministry to develop potential measures to support the country. The Dominican Republic will also send special search-and-rescue teams from the armed forces to assist efforts to address the aftermath of the earthquake in Venezuela, President Luis Abinader said. Cuban medical workers stationed in Venezuela have begun providing emergency assistance to people affected by the powerful earthquake, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla wrote on X. Italy is ready to provide assistance to Venezuela following the devastating earthquake and plans to request the EU to activate its civil protection mechanism, Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani said. Ecuador will send humanitarian aid to Venezuela, President Daniel Noboa announced. The EU will launch its civil protection mechanism to assist earthquake-stricken Venezuela, European Commissioner for Equality and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said. 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