A 7.2-magnitude earthquake shook Venezuela on Wednesday evening, swaying buildings and homes in the capital of Caracas.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake's epicenter was located about 17 miles (28 kilometers) west of the community of Moron, located along the country's Caribbean coast, about 104 miles from Caracas.
The quake had a depth of 13 kilometers.
A second, even larger earthquake measuring 7.5 magnitude hit the same area just 39 seconds after the first quake.
The second quake had a depth of 10 kilometers.
'High casualties' likely in Venezuela, USGS says
Strong earthquakes brought buildings down in Caracas.
"High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread," the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.
The USGS said, based on data from the types of structures common in the area, that there was a 44% chance that fatalities will exceed 10,000.
Venezuelan authorities did not immediately provide estimates of deaths or injuries.
On state television, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced that some buildings had been brought down and houses had collapsed in Caracas.
Interior minister urges Venezuelans to remain outside
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello described the situation in the country following the earthquakes as "extremely alarming." He said that some buildings had collapsed and urged residents to take shelter.
Cabello urged people to stay outside, warning that aftershocks were likely to occur and could cause additional structural damage to already weakened buildings. As a precaution to prevent explosions, officials also ordered gas supplies to be shut off.
"We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most," Cabello said on state television. "Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed."
He also suggested people were injured in the earthquake and asked motorists to give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez to address nation
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez said she will address the nation soon.
Rodriguez said in a post on X that she will report on the situation following the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes that hit the country on Wednesday.
The quakes are among the strongest seismic events globally so far this year, according to US Geological Survey (USGS).
Twin quakes bring back memories of deadly 1967 quake
"This earthquake was horrible, even worse than the one in 1967," Maria Romero, an 80-year-old pensioner from southern Caracas, told Reuters, after two quakes struck the center of the country on Wednesday.
In 1967, Caracas was struck by a devastating magnitude 6.3 earthquake, which left more than 1,500 people injured and between 225 and 300 people dead.
Even deadlier earthquakes struck Venezuela in the 19th century. According to the USGS, an estimated 30,000 people were killed by a powerful earthquake that caused widespread destruction in Merida and Caracas in 1812.
Venezuela is located in an area of seismic activity where the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plate meet.
Tsunami warning for nearby islands withdrawn
The US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami warning for Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands as the quakes struck.
It said hazardous waves could affect Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire as well.
However, the warning was withdrawn about an hour later.
Venezuela's president declares state of emergency, confirms fatalities
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez has declared a state of emergency after massive earthquakes destroyed buildings in Caracas.
Accompanied by her brother Jorge, who is the head of the National Assembly, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, Rodriguez said that she was extending her condolences to the families of those who "sadly suffered the loss of a family member."
She did not provide a death toll or a figure for those injured.
Rodriguez explained that rescue efforts are now the top priority, adding that school classes would be suspended and train services would be halted.
She said that the Simon Bolivar Airport in Maiquetia, near Caracas, is closed due to damage.
At least 32 deaths, 700 injured in earthquakes, Rodriguez says
The back-to-back earthquakes which have rocked Venezuela on Wednesday have killed at least 32 people, interim President Delcy Rodriguez has said.
Over 700 others were injured, she added.
"Dozens of buildings have collapsed and we are engaged in the arduous task of rescuing the lives that God allows us to save. The state of La Guaira is facing a true tragedy and has become a disaster zone," she said.
Rodriguez said she did not yet have data on La Guaira, located near the capital.
The powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century.
