Strong earthquakes struck west of Venezuela's capital on Wednesday afternoon, damaging buildings in Caracas and prompting scientists to warn of potentially heavy casualties and widespread destruction across the South American country.
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 km (100 miles) west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).
"High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread," the USGS said, initially estimating the death toll would most likely range from 10,000 to 100,000.
Authorities did not immediately provide official estimates for deaths or injuries.
“We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security, civil assistance," Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state television. "The fire department, police all have been activated.”
Video footage showed emergency workers climbing through the ruins of a collapsed building in the capital as night fell and distraught relatives seeking help for loved ones.
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