Two massive earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds, collapsing buildings across Caracas, triggering regional tsunami warnings and raising fears of one of the deadliest disasters in the country’s history.
Venezuela was rocked Wednesday night by two violent earthquakes that hit one after another within about 40 seconds. The strongest tremor measured 7.5, shaking the capital Caracas with terrifying force and sending shockwaves as far as neighboring Colombia. Videos from the city show entire buildings crumbling into dust, streets swallowed by thick clouds of debris and residents fleeing in panic.
The US Geological Survey warned that “many casualties and extensive damage” are expected. Its early disaster model raised the horrifying possibility that the death toll could reach tens of thousands — and possibly as many as 100,000 people — though Venezuelan authorities have not yet released an official figure.
Tsunami warnings were issued not only for Venezuela, but also for several Caribbean areas, including Puerto Rico, the US and British Virgin Islands, and nearby islands such as Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire. Emergency teams are racing against time as aftershocks, gas leaks and unstable buildings threaten further collapses.