Strong earthquakes struck west of Venezuela's capital Caracas on Wednesday afternoon, leading to building collapse and heavy damage to infrastructure. The tremors have prompted scientists to warn of potentially heavy casualties and widespread destruction across the South American country. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez declared that 32 people have lost their lives in the serious tremors while 700 others were injured.
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 km (100 miles) west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by another tremor of magnitude 7.5. The earthquakes were followed by 20 aftershocks that further worsened the situation.
Also read: Venezuela declares state of emergency after powerful twin quakes
Rodriguez said that dozens of buildings collapsed in La Guaira as rescuers from other countries are set to arrive in Venezuela in the coming hours.
"High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread," the USGS said, initially estimating the death toll would most likely range from 10,000 to 100,000.
"We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security, civil assistance," Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state television as quoted by Reuters. "The fire department, police all have been activated."
Video footage showed emergency workers climbing through the ruins of a collapsed building in the capital.
