Two Powerful Earthquakes Shake Western Caracas Causing Extensive Damage

Two powerful earthquakes struck west of Venezuela's capital, Caracas, on Wednesday, resulting in building collapses and prompting experts to anticipate substantial loss of life and severe damage across the South American country.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the first earthquake measured 7.1 in magnitude and occurred approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas. It was followed by a second quake measuring 7.5 less than a minute later.

The USGS issued a warning stating, "Significant loss of life and severe damage are likely, with the disaster's repercussions expected to be widespread." Initial estimates suggested the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000.

Authorities have not yet released official figures regarding casualties or injuries. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello told state television that "some buildings in Caracas collapsed, and houses fell down."

Video footage showed emergency teams climbing over the rubble of a collapsed building in the capital as night fell.

Many Venezuelans were at home when the earthquakes struck, as they were observing a national holiday commemorating a military victory in 1821 that paved the way for Venezuela's independence from Spain.

Venezuela lies in an active seismic zone where the Caribbean tectonic plate collides with the South American plate.

Residents of Caracas quickly evacuated buildings following the tremors.

The city previously experienced a destructive earthquake measuring 6.3 in magnitude in 1967.

Maria Romero, an 80-year-old resident of southern Caracas, stated that police assisted her evacuation. She said, "This earthquake was terrifying, even worse than the 1967 earthquake."

Fire trucks were seen on the streets of the capital, and some building facades suffered severe damage.