Death toll in Venezuela earthquakes rises to 32; nearly 700 injured, rescue operation continues

CARACAS: Reports say that at least 32 people have been killed in the earthquake that rocked the Latin American country of Venezuela. It is also reported that 700 people have been injured. Rescue operations are progressing. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said that the death toll is likely to rise. Two powerful earthquakes rattled Venezuela in a row, minutes apart.

Extensive damages have been registered. Buildings and walls have collapsed in Caracas. Electricity and mobile networks have been completely snapped in many parts of the city. Authorities have strictly advised people not to enter collapsed buildings and to remain in safe places due to the possibility of aftershocks.

The first earthquake measured 7.1 on the Richter scale. The epicenter was 13 kilometers (8 miles) west of the Caribbean coastal city of Morón, about 168 kilometers (105 miles) west of Caracas. The US Geological Survey said a second earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 was recorded shortly after. The second quake, with a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), struck 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Morón. It was one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the country in a century. The quake has triggered warnings of possible coastal erosion and tsunami waves.

The US Geological Survey expressed concern that the death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the earthquake in Venezuela. Modi conveyed India's condolences to the families of the dead and was ready to provide all possible assistance.