A state of emergency has been declared in Venezuela following a series of powerful earthquakes that have caused numerous casualties and widespread destruction. The authorities are urging the public to evacuate dangerous buildings.
- A state of emergency has been declared in Venezuela following a series of earthquakes.
- According to preliminary reports, at least four people have been killed.
- The country’s main international airport has been closed.
- Metro and rail services have been suspended.
- The oil industry is currently operating without any critical damage.
State of emergency following the earthquake in Venezuela
Acting President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez She declared a state of emergency in the country following a series of powerful earthquakes. She urged citizens to remain calm and follow the instructions of the emergency services.
“We ask the public to remain calm and united,” said Rodríguez.
Casualties and destruction
According to preliminary reports, at least four people have died in the Caracas area. Three of them were killed when two residential buildings collapsed in the Baruta district, whilst another person died in the Chacao district when a house collapsed. At least 22 injured people have been taken to hospital. In the coastal state of Falcón, the authorities have reported 22 injured and 15 missing, although nationwide figures on the number of casualties have not yet been released.
Infrastructure damage
The government has reported serious damage to Venezuela’s main international airport, which has temporarily suspended operations. Metro and rail services have also been completely suspended. Emergency services are assessing the extent of the damage and checking the condition of other critical infrastructure.
The situation in the oil industry
Despite the large-scale earthquake, the country’s key oil infrastructure has not yet sustained any critical damage. International energy companies, including Shell, are carrying out checks on their staff and assessing the condition of oil fields, refineries and production facilities. However, sources in the energy sector warn that prolonged power cuts could have a negative impact on oil production volumes.
Why it matters
Venezuela It possesses some of the world’s largest oil reserves, so large-scale natural disasters can affect not only the domestic situation but also international energy markets. Rescue operations are currently underway, and the authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage and the number of people affected.
