Venezuela’s Maiquetía Airport has closed and classes canceled after earthquakes damaged several states across the country, acting President Rodríguez said in a news conference.
Earthquakes Strike Venezuela
Back-to-back powerful earthquakes struck off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings and sending panicked residents into the streets.
The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes roiled the region, with buildings evacuated in cities as far away as Brazil’s Amazon about 1,700 kilometers (1,050 miles) away.
Late Wednesday, acting president Delcy Rodríguez said she was preparing to address the nation.
Rodríguez’s failure to address the nation within three hours of the earthquake, while her government did not give a report of injuries or fatalities in that time, was criticized by politicians and Venezuelans.
International Response
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele expressed solidarity with Venezuela following the earthquakes, saying his country’s “heart is with the people of Venezuela during these difficult times.”
Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar of Florida said her “thoughts and prayers” were with Venezuela and expressed support for families affected, those still waiting for answers and first responders.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
