Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck the northern coast of Venezuela on Wednesday, leading to collapsed buildings in the capital Caracas.

Earthquakes Cause Widespread Damage

A foreshock with a magnitude of 7.2 occurred near San Felipe, followed by a larger 7.5 magnitude quake just 40 seconds later, some 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare. The US Geological Survey said high casualties and extensive damage are probable.

Hazardous tsunami waves are possible for coasts within 300 kilometers of the epicenter, according to the US Tsunami Warning Centers. A previous tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands has been canceled.

In Caracas, about 300 kilometers away from the quake’s epicenter, videos showed a collapsed building, damaged structures with missing walls, and dust covering some neighborhoods. Terrified residents were seen evacuating buildings with their loved ones and pets before gathering in the street.

At least three buildings partially collapsed in the eastern neighborhoods of Caracas, in the area of Altamira Square. A police officer in the Chacao municipality of Caracas said it’s too soon to release any number of deaths or injured.

The quake was also felt in neighboring Colombia, hundreds of kilometers away.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.