'High casualties' likely as 7.5 quake hits Venezuela

Powerful earthquakes struck western Venezuela on Wednesday, causing damage to buildings in the capital, Caracas, and prompting warnings of potentially severe consequences.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude 7.2 earthquake approximately 160 km west of Caracas, followed shortly by a 7.5 magnitude tremor. The USGS issued a stark warning, stating that "high casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread." Initial estimates suggested a death toll ranging from 10,000 to 100,000.

In Caracas, buildings reportedly collapsed, and video footage showed emergency workers navigating the rubble. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed on state television that buildings, homes, and houses had fallen, and that security and civil assistance services were fully activated. Fire departments and police were deployed to the affected areas.

“

High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread.

Damage was reported in and around the capital, with significant facade damage observed on some buildings. Videos from the Hospital de Clinicas Caracas depicted darkened hallways with fallen ceiling panels and debris. Social media footage also appeared to show substantial damage at Venezuela's main airport, and residents reported collapsed structures in the coastal city of La Guaira. Reuters could not immediately verify all footage.

The National Assembly canceled its sessions due to the events. A tsunami alert was briefly issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands but was later withdrawn. Venezuela is situated in a seismically active region, and a devastating earthquake in 1812, which struck Merida and Caracas, killed an estimated 30,000 people.

“

We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security, civil assistance. The fire department, police all have been activated.