10,000 deaths feared as twin earthquakes devastate Venezuela, flatten parts of Caracas | VIDEO
Caracas: Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes within seconds on Wednesday evening, triggering panic, widespread destruction, and fears of a catastrophic loss of life as buildings collapsed across the capital, Caracas.
Authorities have not yet released an official death toll, but the US Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that fatalities could exceed 10,000, given the scale of the disaster.
The first earthquake, measuring 7.2, struck near Montalbán in north-central Venezuela at around 6.04 pm local time.
Just moments later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake hit the same region, intensifying the devastation. Both shallow earthquakes were felt across several Venezuelan states and even in parts of neighbouring Colombia.
The powerful tremors caused several buildings and homes to collapse in Caracas, sending terrified residents rushing into the streets.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged people to evacuate damaged structures and warned of possible aftershocks as rescue teams searched through the rubble.
Some heavily damaged buildings were demolished to prevent further collapse. Videos circulating on social media captured dramatic scenes from across the country, including panic inside Maiquetía International Airport, where travellers were seen scrambling for safety as the terminal shook violently.
Other clips showed collapsed buildings, shattered windows, and emergency responders combing through debris.
The earthquakes struck on a Venezuelan national holiday, meaning many people were inside their homes when the ground began shaking.
Witnesses described hearing loud crashes as furniture toppled and walls cracked during the back-to-back tremors.
The US Tsunami Warning System initially issued tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the US and British Virgin Islands following the quakes, though some alerts were later withdrawn after further assessment.
Rescue and damage assessment operations remain underway, with authorities yet to confirm the full extent of casualties