**RT Staff Affected by Deadly Earthquake in Caracas**
In a tragic turn of events, staff members of RT, including a correspondent and a cameraman, were impacted by a powerful earthquake that struck Caracas, Venezuela, on Wednesday. The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.2, was followed by an even stronger tremor of 7.5 just moments later, leading to significant destruction across the region.
Margarita Simonyan, the Editor-in-Chief of RT, confirmed via a post on social media platform X that the children of the affected correspondent and cameraman sustained injuries during the quake. Fortunately, she noted that their lives are not in danger. Simonyan shared footage of the devastation, revealing that the family’s home was left partially destroyed. Additionally, she mentioned that the residence of another RT contributor also suffered severe damage.
Jessica Sosa, the RT correspondent directly affected by the earthquake, reported that part of her home’s ceiling collapsed, injuring her youngest child. She reassured that while the injuries were concerning, they were not serious. Following the quake, Sosa indicated a surge in the number of individuals searching for missing relatives, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster on the community.
The earthquakes have resulted in a rising death toll, which has reached at least 188, according to Jorge Rodriguez, Venezuela’s top lawmaker. Reports indicate that around 1,520 individuals have been injured, with approximately 200 people still trapped under the rubble. Rescue teams are actively working to locate survivors as aftershocks continue to rattle the region.
The epicenter of the quakes was located off Venezuela’s northern coast near the city of Morón, and the tremors were felt not only throughout Venezuela but also in neighboring Colombia and various Caribbean islands. Authorities have recorded more than 20 aftershocks, prompting warnings for residents to remain vigilant.
In response to the disaster, the Venezuelan government has declared a nationwide state of emergency. The armed forces, civil defense units, and emergency services have been mobilized to assist in recovery efforts. Schools, public transportation, and some airports have been temporarily closed, while many areas are experiencing disruptions in power, water, and communications.
Simon Bolivar International Airport has been closed due to damage sustained during the earthquakes, and metro and rail services in Caracas have also been suspended as a precautionary measure.
Historically, Venezuela has faced significant seismic events, with the 1967 earthquake being the deadliest in recent memory, resulting in approximately 300 deaths and around 1,600 injuries in Caracas. Another earthquake in 1997 in the country’s northeast claimed at least 81 lives.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on rescue and recovery efforts, with many hoping for the safe return of those still unaccounted for. The RT staff and their families are currently being relocated to a hotel to ensure their safety amidst the ongoing emergency.