Survivors describe panic and collapsing buildings during two strong quakes as thousands of people feared dead. Thousands feared dead as twin earthquakes cause devastation across Venezuela Scenes of panic, collapsing buildings and desperate rescues are the scenes described by Venezuelans caught in magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck the country within seconds of each other. The situation continues to evolve, with further updates anticipated shortly.

Background

To put this in perspective, analysts point to a number of relevant factors.

Caracas was among the hardest-hit areas on Wednesday as rescue teams searched through the rubble of collapsed buildings with thousands of people feared dead.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency, suspending classes, closing the country ’ s main airport and urging healthcare workers to analysis to hospitals.

Observers have also noted that jesus Alejandro Pina, a 38-year-old engineer in Caracas, said he was on the top floor of a seven-storey building when the earthquakes struck.

International Reaction

Industry leaders, officials, and analysts have offered a range of perspectives.

The lamps, anything created of glass, even the columns and beams were making noise. ” As an engineer, Pina understood what was happening to the building as it shook.

What has become increasingly clear is that that ’ s when collapses happen. ” When the shaking stopped, thousands of frightened residents rushed onto the streets and were met with scenes of horror and obliteration.

In a related development, they ’ re on alert since they say there are more aftershocks. ” For 25-year-old Luis Alejandro Ruiz Garcia, from Caracas ’ s El Paraiso neighbourhood, the earthquakes unfolded in a matter of seconds.

What It Means

As the dust begins to settle, the real-world consequences are starting to emerge.

“ We hugged each other and, as soon as we could, managed to go downstairs and get out of my building as quickly as possible. ” Outside, he said, orange dust filled the air after a residential building collapsed three blocks from his apartment.

In a detail that has not gone unnoticed, “ We waited about 10 minutes and then went back up to collect documents and some clothes prior to leaving again. ” As he made his way to check on his grandmother, Ruiz Garcia found streets packed with residents searching for relatives and trying to help neighbours escape damaged buildings.

Compounding the significance of these events, elderly residents who lived alone after their sons and daughters emigrated from Venezuela due to the country ’ s economic collapse were trapped alone under the rubble.

Compounding the significance of these events, at least 32 people were confirmed dead, according to Venezuelan authorities, but officials warned the toll was likely to rise as search and rescue teams continue their operations.

In a related development, communications remained disrupted in several regions, leaving many families unable to contact relatives and providing another challenge for authorities trying to assess the full scale of the disaster.

Next Steps

The developments detailed here represent only the latest chapter in an ongoing story. As more information becomes available, the full picture is expected to come into sharper focus for those following the situation.