High casualties feared as buildings collapse after back-to-back Venezuela earthquakes

Buildings have collapsed in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, after powerful back-to-back earthquakes hit the south American country – with reports there could be ‘high casualties’.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.2, with an even larger tremor of 7.5 hitting minutes later.

“High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread,” the USGS said.

People evacuated swaying buildings in Caracas and remained outside, many visibly shocked as they saw entire walls that had collapsed.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported “alarming situations” in the Altamira neighbourhood of Caracas.

“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,” he told state television.

“Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed.”

The epicentre was west of the community of Morón, along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometres (104 miles) west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 13 kilometres (8 miles).

The second quake had a depth of 10 kilometres and its epicentre was 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Morón.

The earthquakes struck shortly after 6pm local time and people remained on the streets after sunset.

“It started off gently and then gradually grew, and in the end, we all had to leave our houses, go outside and gather together,” Caracas resident Hector Ricci said.

Another, Roberto Gamas, said: “The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong”

He added: “We were walking and it was tossing us around. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out.”