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Venezuela was rocked by two powerful earthquakes within 40 seconds on Wednesday, causing widespread damage and sparking fears of mass casualties Source: Al Jazeera. A 7.2 magnitude foreshock near San Felipe was followed by a 7.5 magnitude mainshock near Yumare, according to the US Geological Survey Source: CNN.
The quakes caused buildings to collapse in the capital Caracas, with videos showing destroyed structures and dust-filled streets Source: CNN. The US Tsunami Warning Centers issued a hazardous tsunami wave advisory for coasts within 300 km of the epicenter, though a previous advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands was later canceled Source: CNN. The area near Yumare hosts some of Venezuela's largest refineries Source: CNN.
Rescuers are searching for victims amid collapsed buildings, and terrified residents have evacuated into the streets Source: CNN. The US Geological Survey warned that high casualties and extensive damage are "probable" Source: Al Jazeera. The quakes were felt as far away as Colombia Source: CNN.
“The US science agency said that high casualties and extensive damage were “probable.””
“Hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts within 300 kilometers (186 miles) of the epicenter, according to the US Tsunami Warning Centers.”
“Videos geolocated by CNN showed a collapsed building in the capital Caracas. Other footage showed damaged structures with missing walls and dust covering some neighborhoods.”