Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread damage and fears of heavy casualties. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake of 7.2 magnitude hit near San Felipe, about 284 kilometers west of Caracas, at 6:04 p.m. local time. Just 39 seconds later, a second 7.5 magnitude quake struck near Yumar, roughly 293 kilometers west of the capital. Several buildings in Caracas collapsed as a result.

The USGS reported that the second quake’s epicenter was 23 kilometers southeast of Yumar at a depth of about 10 kilometers. The agency warned that the disaster likely affected a large area and that strong aftershocks could follow. Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged residents to stay outside their homes and said gas connections in several buildings had been cut off as a precaution. Reuters reported that residents in Caracas rushed outdoors, while AFP images showed a collapsed building believed to be a bank.

Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage as emergency measures continue across affected regions.