Venezuela Twin Earthquakes: 589 Dead, International Rescue Teams Arrive - Latest Updates | Kicau Pagi

Twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela on Wednesday (June 24) just 39 seconds apart. The death toll has reached 589 with 2,980 injured. Rescue teams from the Netherlands, Switzerland, Mexico, and El Salvador have arrived at the disaster zone. The US sent Major General Kevin Jarrard to Caracas to coordinate relief efforts.

Venezuela's seismic disaster on Wednesday evening has become a severe test for a country already in political transition. Two major earthquakes struck within an extremely short interval—a phenomenon seismologists call a doublet earthquake. The first 7.2 magnitude quake was followed by a 7.5 magnitude quake just 39 seconds later. Both were very shallow at less than 30 km depth, making the shaking intensely felt at the surface.

La Guaira, the coastal region north of Caracas, became ground zero. Six high-rise apartment buildings were completely flattened according to Vantor satellite imagery. Main roads are blocked by debris and collapsed structures. An eyewitness who spoke to BBC described a "truly chaotic scene" with no first responders in sight. Neighbors helped each other dig victims out with bare hands. Cell phone communications were completely down for hours.

International response has been swift. The Netherlands dispatched 65 rescue personnel and 8 search dogs from Eindhoven Air Base. Switzerland sent 80 rescue workers with 18 tonnes of supplies. Mexico and El Salvador have also deployed teams. US Southern Command confirmed Major General Kevin Jarrard has arrived in Caracas. The International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO) is sending six teams. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher emphasized this disaster "needs an international global response."

Among foreign casualties, Spain's foreign ministry reported three nationals dead and 99 missing. Nine Portuguese nationals died, two Chinese nationals died, and Brazilian and Italian victims were also reported. One Spanish victim was Alazne Solabarrieta Lecea (65), born in Caracas, whose husband—a former ETA member—is hospitalized with injuries.

Geologically, the earthquakes occurred along the San Sebastián Fault running along Venezuela's coast. Dr Laura Gregory from the University of Leeds explains the fault rupture length is estimated at 100-200 km, which is why damage extends over 100 miles from the epicenter. Areas built on soft sediments like sand experienced more intense shaking compared to areas on hard granite bedrock.

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