Powerful earthquakes rock Venezuela; tsunami alerts issued

Venezuela earthquakes

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes of each other on Wednesday evening, causing buildings to collapse in the capital Caracas and triggering tsunami alerts across parts of the Caribbean.According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near Montalbán, west of the coastal town of Morón, at 18:04 local time. The quake originated at a depth of about 13 km.Minutes later, a stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit the same region, with its epicentre located around 16 km southwest of Morón at a depth of 10 km.The USGS warned that the twin quakes could cause widespread devastation.

"High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread," the agency said, initially estimating that the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000.Authorities had not immediately released official figures for casualties or injuries, Reuters reported.The tremors were felt across several parts of Venezuela and were also reported by witnesses in neighbouring Colombia.

The powerful back-to-back quakes caused significant damage in Caracas, where residents rushed out of swaying buildings as walls collapsed and dust clouds rose over parts of the city.

Venezuela's interior minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed that several buildings had been damaged in the capital, PTI reported.Speaking on state television, Cabello said the Altamira neighbourhood in Caracas had witnessed "alarming situations" involving collapsed homes and buildings.

He urged residents to remain outdoors, warning that aftershocks could cause further structural damage.He also indicated that people had been injured in the disaster and appealed to motorists to keep roads clear for emergency responders."We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most," Cabello said. "Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed."Following the earthquakes, the US Tsunami Warning System issued tsunami threats for Venezuela, Aruba and Bonaire, while tsunami advisories were issued for Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands. The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center also issued alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.Emergency services were deployed across affected areas as authorities assessed the extent of the damage and searched for possible victims trapped in collapsed structures.