Two powerful earthquakes struck near the northern coast of Venezuela on Wednesday, leading to collapsed buildings in the capital Caracas. A foreshock with a magnitude of 7.2 occurred near San Felipe, followed by a larger 7.5 magnitude quake just 40 seconds later.
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.
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. A police officer in the Chacao municipality of Caracas said it’s too soon to release any number of deaths or injured.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
