Peculiar and Devastating Earthquakes in Venezuela

Venezuela, a country in South America, was hit by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake just last Wednesday. Without giving anyone time to even register the shock, 39 seconds later, an even stronger earthquake hit with a magnitude of 7.5. As the strongest quakes to strike Venezuela since 1900, roughly 774 buildings and 12,700 people have been deeply affected by this treacherous disaster.

Since the shaking was felt more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) away, the casualties were a vast number. With reports of over 1,450 people dead, more than 3,100 people injured, and many still missing, rescue workers from over 24 countries have rushed to help. Over 275 people had been rescued by Saturday, but as the days went on, the difficulty of finding more people increased.

One of the reasons why a mass number of homes collapsed was that many of them were made of adobe or brick, which break easily during earthquakes. In some areas, even 10-story buildings became a part of the rubble.

Recently, Venezuela has struggled greatly, not possessing enough money to keep public services running smoothly. To make matters worse, the earthquakes have damaged at least 13 hospitals, worsening the medical system. Some hospitals had to set up emergency medical areas outside to create room for the increased number of patients. And at least one hospital currently lacks running water. If not for the extra help from neighboring countries, Venezuela might have been in an even worse situation.

If more disastrous quakes continue to appear, Venezuela might not be able to respond as quickly next time. Hopefully, next time, Venezuela will be able to prepared for such events and take precautions against by building more earthquake-sturdy homes.