At least 32 people have died and hundreds have been injured after two powerful earthquakes struck off the northern coast of Venezuela on Wednesday evening.
The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes caused widespread destruction in the captial Caracas and as far as Brazil’s Amazon, more than 1,000 miles away. Strong earthquakes are unusual in Venezuela.
About 700 people were injured, and the US Geological Survey said that “high casualties” were expected.
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency as hundreds of emergency workers worked to rescue victims.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US was deploying search teams, medical resources and humanitarian aid to Venezuela.
Rodríguez said the earthquakes caused damage in several states and urged people to “remain calm”.
She also asked all healthcare professionals in the country to report to hospitals to help anyone who was injured.
The casualty figures released early Thursday excluded the state of La Guaira, which Rodríguez described as a “disaster zone” and the area hardest hit.
The US Geological Survey initially said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, later revising that to 7.2.
Its epicentre was west of Morón on the country’s Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometers (104 miles) west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 22 kilometers (13.6 miles).
The USGS reported an even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake just a minute later. The second quake had a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) with an epicenter 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Morón.
The quakes struck shortly after 6pm.
In a Truth Social post, Donald Trump said: “The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths.
“The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help!” he added, “early reports are not good!!!”
Caracas resident Roberto Gamas said, “The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong,
“We were walking and it was tossing us around. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out.”
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the quake could be felt in several states.
“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” Cabello said on state television.
He added: “Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed.”
Cabello also urged people to remain outside as aftershocks could further damage some structures.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
