Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction and potentially thousands of fatalities. The quakes, both over 7 in magnitude, were the strongest to hit the country in a century.
The first quake had a magnitude of 7.1, with its epicenter west of the community of Morón, while the second, larger quake had a magnitude of 7.5 and struck just a minute later.
The quakes destroyed power lines, damaged Caracas's main airport, and caused buildings to collapse, with eyewitnesses describing the force of the quake as 'incredibly strong'.
While authorities have not confirmed any deaths or injuries, the USGS has estimated the death toll to be between 10,000 to 100,000, and a tsunami warning has been issued for several islands in the Caribbean.
Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez has activated emergency declarations and extended condolences to families of those killed in the disaster.
