After the strong earthquake, on the evening of June 24 local time, Venezuelan Acting President Rodriguez delivered a speech through national television, declaring a state of emergency throughout the country.
"We express our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones," Rodrigo said, "We urge citizens to remain calm and united."
Venezuela's official authorities have not yet announced the exact number of casualties.
Rodriguez revealed that currently, Venezuela's main airports have been suspended due to 'severe damage'. She also announced that both the subway and railway systems have been shut down.
According to Reuters, strong earthquakes occurred in the area west of Venezuelan capital Caracas on the afternoon of the 24th local time, causing many buildings in Caracas to collapse.
According to data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas, followed by another strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake less than a minute later.
The United States Geological Survey stated: “This earthquake is highly likely to cause a large number of casualties and extensive damage, with the disaster possibly affecting the entire country.” The agency initially estimated that the number of deaths would range from 10,000 to 100,000.
Venezuelan Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, Diosdado Cabello, said on state television that the Venezuelan government is mobilizing all security and civilian rescue resources for disaster relief, with firefighters and police officers already deployed throughout the country.
On the 24th local time, the Chinese embassy in Venezuela reminded Chinese citizens in Venezuela to pay close attention to earthquake warnings and disaster-related information, to prevent aftershocks and secondary disasters caused by earthquakes. They were advised to stay calm, take proper safety measures, and keep their communication devices functioning. Chinese citizens in the affected areas were asked to immediately move away from the coast and relocate to safe areas for refuge.
In case of an emergency, please report to the police promptly and contact the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela for assistance: Venezuelan emergency number for reporting: 911. Consular protection and assistance number for the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela: +58-(0)414-3669883. Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline (24 hours): 0086-10-12308 or 0086-10-65612308.
