According to Reuters, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas, followed by a 7.5 magnitude quake less than a minute later.
The USGS assessed that there is a high likelihood of large-scale casualties and extensive property damage from these earthquakes. Initial estimates suggest that the death toll could range from a minimum of 10,000 to as high as 100,000. However, Venezuelan authorities have yet to release official figures on casualties or injuries.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated on state television that some buildings in Caracas have collapsed and homes have been destroyed. He urged residents not to obstruct emergency responders as they assess the damage and conduct search and rescue operations.
The earthquakes caused significant shaking in downtown Caracas, prompting residents to flee into the streets in panic.
In the aftermath of the quakes, tsunami warnings were issued for some areas of the Caribbean. The U.S. Tsunami Warning System warned that dangerous waves could reach islands near the Venezuelan coast, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, as well as Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire. This warning was lifted approximately an hour later.
Venezuela is located in a seismically active region where the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates meet. Caracas previously suffered significant damage from an earthquake in 1967.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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