Rescue Work Underway After Quakes Rock Venezuela, 'High Casualties' Likely

Strong earthquakes struck west of Venezuela's capital on Wednesday afternoon, causing buildings to collapse in Caracas, trapping people in the rubble. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) warned of potentially heavy casualties and widespread destruction across the South American nation.

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

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit approximately 160 km west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor. The USGS estimated that the death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000, indicating the potential severity of the disaster.

While national figures for deaths and injuries were not immediately available, local officials and witnesses reported collapsed buildings and an increasing number of injured individuals. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated on state television that authorities were mobilizing all available security and civil assistance resources, including the fire department and police, to respond to the emergency.

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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.

Video footage captured emergency workers navigating the ruins of a collapsed building in the capital as night fell. Distraught relatives were seen seeking assistance for loved ones believed to be trapped. In the Chacao municipality of eastern Caracas, the mayor reported two structures had collapsed, resulting in 16 injuries and fatalities, though a specific death toll was not provided.

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We're going to do everything we can to rescue the most people possible.