KABUL (Pajhwok): The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that powerful earthquakes in Venezuela could result in extremely high casualties and widespread destruction. Initial estimates suggest that the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000 people.
Reuters reported that strong earthquakes struck west of Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, on Wednesday afternoon, causing buildings to collapse, trapping people under rubble and prompting scientists to warn of potentially severe casualties and extensive damage across the South American country.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck around 160 kilometres (100 miles) west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by another magnitude 7.5 earthquake.
“High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely to be widespread,” the USGS said, adding that initial estimates indicated the death toll could most likely range between 10,000 and 100,000.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez said she would declare a state of emergency and seek financial assistance from international organizations to support recovery efforts.
“We extend our condolences to those who have unfortunately lost family members,” Rodríguez said in a televised national address, while noting that no official figures for deaths or injuries had yet been released.
Local officials and witnesses reported collapsed buildings, rescue operations and a rising number of injured people.
“We have buildings, homes and houses that have collapsed, and we are responding with everything available in terms of security and civil assistance,” Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said earlier on state television.
Footage from the scene showed emergency workers searching through the ruins of a collapsed building in Caracas as night fell, while distressed relatives appealed for help for loved ones believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
Gustavo Duque, mayor of the Chacao municipality in Caracas, said several buildings had collapsed and that 18 survivors were rescued from a single building. He urged residents to move to public squares and other open areas for safety, warning that aftershocks could occur.
“We are going to do everything possible to rescue as many people as we can,” he said.
In the coastal state of Falcón, Governor Víctor Clark said on state television that 22 people had been injured, while 15 people, all adults, remained missing and search efforts were continuing.
The report added that rescue and recovery operations are still underway, and officials have warned that additional aftershocks may follow.
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