Strong Quakes Strike Venezuela, Causing Deaths and Heavy Damage in Caracas

Two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, sending residents into panic and causing widespread destruction in the capital, Caracas, and nearby areas. The first quake was initially reported at 7.1 magnitude, and about 40 seconds later a second, stronger quake struck at 7.5 magnitude. The article also notes earlier reports describing the shocks as 7.5 and 7.2.

Officials in the country confirmed that there were fatalities in the event, though the number of dead was not immediately given. The mayor of Caracas’s Chacao district said several people were killed, but he did not specify how many.

Images from Caracas showed buildings that collapsed completely, others with destroyed walls, and dust covering parts of the city’s neighborhoods. Residents were evacuated from their homes because of the severe damage.

The US Geological Survey said there was a high likelihood of many casualties and extensive damage in Venezuela. A tsunami warning was briefly issued for the coasts of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the British Virgin Islands, but it was lifted shortly afterward.