Arabic version: فنزويلا تواجه الدمار بعد زلازل قوية

Residents of Caracas are grappling with the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes that struck the city on Wednesday evening. The quakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, have left more than 160 people dead and hundreds more injured, with authorities warning that the full extent of the damage is still unknown. According to BBC News, many areas remain inaccessible due to infrastructure damage, complicating rescue efforts.

In the immediate aftermath, residents flooded the streets in panic, fearing aftershocks. Verónica, a local resident, described her terrifying experience while celebrating a national holiday with her mother. “I thought I was going to die,” she recounted, highlighting the chaos that ensued as buildings shook and debris fell.

As night fell, many were left functionally homeless, wandering the streets in search of news about their loved ones. Valentina Oropeza, a journalist with BBC Mundo, spent hours trying to contact her family after receiving a distressing voice message from her sister, Verónica. Fortunately, they were found safe, although Verónica reported that their home was completely destroyed.

The earthquakes have caused significant destruction throughout Caracas and surrounding regions, including La Guaira, Miranda, and Aragua. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has declared several areas disaster zones, stating that “dozens” of buildings have collapsed. Rescue teams are working tirelessly, but many are still trapped under rubble, and the situation continues to evolve as reports come in from affected areas.

As the community begins to recover, residents face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives in the wake of this tragedy. Many are left questioning how to return to normalcy after such a traumatic event, with some residents expressing disbelief at the severity of the situation. The coming days will be critical as authorities assess the damage and provide aid to those in need.