தென் அமெரிக்க நாடான வெனிசுலாவில், புதன்கிழமை (24) மாலை அடுத்தடுத்து ஏற்பட்ட இரண்டு நிலநடுக்கங்கள் பெரும் உயிர்ச்சேதத்தையும் அழிவையும் ஏற்படுத்தியுள்ளன. நிலநடுக்கமானி அளவீட்டில் இது 7.1 மற்றும் 7.5 ரிக்டர் அளவில் பதிவாகியுள்ளது. கடந்த 125 ஆண்டுகளில் வெனிசுலாவில் பதிவான மிக சக்திவ…
Two earthquakes struck the South American country of Venezuela on Wednesday evening (24), causing widespread damage and destruction. They measured 7.1 and 7.5 on the Richter scale. They were the most powerful earthquakes to hit Venezuela in 125 years. Damage and casualties Buildings collapsed like a pack of cards in various parts of the country, including the capital Caracas. According to the country's health ministry, 235 people have died so far; more than 4,300 have been injured. The worst affected area is La Guaira, a coastal area north of Caracas. Caracas' Simon Bolivar International Airport has been closed following the damage. It is estimated that more than 200 high-rise buildings, including large hotels, have collapsed. Challenges in the rescue operation The task of rescuing people trapped in the rubble has become a major challenge. As heavy machinery has been delayed in reaching the affected areas, civilians are clearing away the rubble with whatever tools they can find, including shovels. Internet service has been cut off in the earthquake-hit areas, further complicating the rescue efforts. Hospitals are overflowing with the injured. Countries around the world are lending a helping hand A state of emergency has been declared in Venezuela, and rescue efforts are underway day and night. The United States, Canada, Mexico, Qatar, Brazil, Spain and Portugal have offered to help. US military aircraft have arrived there for rescue efforts. In addition, the United States has lifted sanctions on Venezuela until October 23 and has promised to provide $150 million in financial assistance. Political environment Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have been in US custody since last January. It is noteworthy that Venezuela is currently under the administration of a US-backed government.