Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes of each other on Wednesday evening, causing buildings to collapse in the capital Caracas and triggering tsunami alerts across parts of the Caribbean.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near Montalbán, west of the coastal town of Morón, at 18:04 local time. The quake originated at a depth of about 13 km.
Minutes later, a stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit the same region, with its epicentre located around 16 km southwest of Morón at a depth of 10 km.
The USGS warned that the twin quakes could cause widespread devastation. "High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread," the agency said, initially estimating that the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000.
Authorities had not immediately released official figures for casualties or injuries, Reuters reported.
The tremors were felt across several parts of Venezuela and were also reported by witnesses in neighbouring Colombia. The powerful back-to-back quakes caused significant damage in Caracas, where residents rushed out of swaying buildings as walls collapsed and dust clouds rose over parts of the city.
