Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction and a potential death toll of 10,000 to 100,000. The first earthquake, measuring 7.1 in magnitude, hit the west of the community of Morón, while the second, measuring 7.5, struck 16 kilometers southwest of the city of Morón.
The US Geological Survey reported that the second earthquake was a mainshock preceded by a 7.2 foreshock 39 seconds earlier. The tremors caused buildings in Caracas to collapse, with onlookers describing the scene as 'horrible.'
Extensive damage was reported, with power lines disrupted and chaos at Caracas's main airport. Venezuela's interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, said that gas supplies were cut to several buildings as a precautionary measure.
Rescue efforts are underway, with officials warning of 'high casualties and extensive damage.' The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami alert for the Virgin Islands, while authorities in the Dominican Republic have issued similar instructions.
