Severe Earthquakes in Venezuela: Up to 100,000 Deaths Feared, Government Declares State of Emergency

Venezuela is reeling after two devastating earthquakes struck the nation's north and center on Wednesday afternoon. The powerful tremors, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, caused widespread destruction, including the collapse of numerous buildings in the capital city, Caracas.

In response to the catastrophe, the Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed that there have been initial fatalities and extended condolences to the affected families, although precise casualty figures remain undisclosed.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a grim assessment, estimating that the earthquakes could result in between 10,000 and 100,000 deaths. The agency anticipates massive destruction across the affected regions.

The seismic activity began with a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, followed less than a minute later by an even stronger 7.5 magnitude quake. Nearly two dozen aftershocks have since been recorded. The epicenter of the quakes was located approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas at a depth of 13 kilometers.