Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, was shaken by two powerful earthquakes within seconds of each other on Wednesday, raising fears of significant casualties and extensive damage across the country.
According to reports, the first earthquake, measuring 7.2 in magnitude, struck west of Caracas at approximately 6:04 p.m. local time, followed moments later by a stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor.
The earthquakes were felt across Venezuela and as far away as Bogotá, the capital of neighboring Colombia.
The strong tremors triggered panic among residents, forcing thousands to evacuate homes, offices, and other buildings and gather in open areas.
Initial reports indicate that several buildings have collapsed, while critical infrastructure has suffered damage in multiple locations.
Venezuela’s interior minister urged citizens to follow safety precautions and evacuate buildings where necessary, while emergency response agencies were placed on high alert immediately after the quakes.
Authorities said rescue and relief teams have been deployed to affected areas, with concerns growing that a number of people may be trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed structures.
Search-and-rescue operations are ongoing as emergency workers race to reach the hardest-hit communities.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned that the earthquakes could result in substantial loss of life and severe economic damage.
According to the agency’s preliminary assessment, there is a 44 percent probability that the death toll could exceed 10,000, highlighting the potentially catastrophic scale of the disaster.
The earthquakes struck during a national holiday, when a large number of people were at home, increasing concerns about the potential human impact of the disaster.
The government has declared an emergency in affected regions, while hospitals, rescue services, and security forces have been fully mobilized to respond to the crisis.
Preliminary reports also indicate disruptions to electricity and communication networks in several areas, although the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined.
Officials continue to assess the situation as rescue efforts intensify and more information becomes available.
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