Caracas, Venezuela. Two strong earthquakes struck west of Venezuela’s capital, toppling buildings in Caracas, trapping people in rubble and prompting warnings of potentially heavy casualties and widespread destruction. Authorities reported collapses, rescues and a growing number of injured.
Earthquakes and official warnings
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck about 160 km west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The USGS said high casualties and extensive damage were probable and that the disaster was likely widespread. It initially estimated the death toll would most likely range from 10,000 to 100,000.
Government response
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said she would declare a state of emergency and request funds from multilateral organizations to support the recovery effort.
In a national address, she expressed condolences to families who had lost relatives but did not provide a national count for deaths or injuries.
Rescues and local reports
Local officials and witnesses reported collapsed buildings, rescue efforts and an increasing number of injured people.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state television that buildings, homes and houses had collapsed and that authorities were responding with all available security and civil assistance resources.
Video footage showed emergency workers climbing through the ruins of a collapsed building in the capital as night fell, while relatives sought help for loved ones believed to be trapped.
Municipal update
Gustavo Duque, the mayor of the Chacao municipality in Caracas, said several buildings had collapsed and that 18 survivors were extracted from one building alone.
He urged people gathered near damaged sites to seek shelter and assistance at public plazas because of the possibility of aftershocks, and said rescue teams would continue efforts to save as many people as possible.
