Two powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela, raising fears of high casualties

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in rapid succession, causing buildings to collapse in the capital Caracas and raising fears of high casualties. The first quake, magnitude 7.2, occurred near San Felipe, about 284 kilometers west of the capital, at 10:04 p.m. GMT on Wednesday local time. Shortly after, a second quake of magnitude 7.5 struck near Yumare, approximately 293 kilometers west of the capital.

The USGS noted that the potential for damage and casualties is 'likely.' Authorities are urgently assessing the situation in affected areas.