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Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 have struck Venezuela. Authorities warn that the death toll could rise significantly as rescue teams continue to search through the rubble.
Initial figures published show at least 32 people have died and around 700 others have been injured, while several hundred buildings in Caracas and surrounding areas have collapsed.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake was initially recorded about 160 kilometers west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by another with a magnitude of 7.5.
Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, said the preliminary toll does not yet include victims in the state of La Guaira, one of the worst-hit areas, where the capital's international airport is located.
The USGS estimates that, based on damage prediction models, the death toll could reach thousands, with a significant possibility that it could exceed 10,000.
"Dozens of buildings have collapsed and rescue teams are working non-stop to find survivors," Rodríguez declared on state television, calling the situation a national tragedy and expressing condolences to the families of the victims.
Venezuelan authorities announced that international rescue teams are expected to arrive in the coming hours. US President Donald Trump stated that the United States is ready to provide humanitarian assistance.
Witnesses: "The scenes resembled a horror movie"
Footage from Caracas shows emergency teams searching for survivors among the rubble, while family members anxiously wait for news.
"When we went outside, everything looked like a horror movie. We were forced to walk over the rubble. I only saw one family that managed to get out of the building," said a resident near one of the collapsed buildings.
According to local authorities, several people lost their lives after buildings collapsed in the Baruta and Chacao neighborhoods of Caracas.
A tsunami warning was issued after the earthquakes, which was canceled shortly after the danger passed.
Many residents immediately left their homes and spent the night outdoors for fear of further tremors.
"I heard a very loud noise. Everything in the house started falling. I've never experienced anything like this," said a Caracas resident.
A journalist in the capital reported that people started screaming as soon as the shaking began and rushed down the stairs to get out.
The airport was closed, schools suspended classes
Authorities closed Maiquetía International Airport due to infrastructure damage. Metro and rail services were suspended, while schools were canceled for the rest of the week.
Hospitals in Caracas increased the number of personnel on duty to cope with the influx of wounded.
According to authorities, no major damage to oil industry infrastructure has been reported so far, while energy companies operating in the country have announced that their personnel are safe.
Leaders from Brazil, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and other countries have expressed their willingness to help Venezuela, while the US State Department announced that it is coordinating assistance with Venezuelan authorities. / Pamphlet adapted from Reuters and The Guardian/
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