According to the US Geological Survey earthquake information network, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Montalbán, Venezuela at 22:04 GMT on the 24th (6:04 a.m. local time on the 25th), with a focal depth of 10 kilometers.
Less than a minute later, Venezuela was again hit by a strong quake, this time magnitude 7.5, with the epicenter about 45 kilometers from the site of the first earthquake, and a focal depth of 10 kilometers. The Venezuelan Disaster Management agency has ruled out the possibility of a tsunami.
The US Tsunami Warning System had issued an alert, warning that coastal areas within 300 kilometers of the Venezuelan earthquake epicenter could be hit by a tsunami.
Following the earthquake, Venezuela's interim president Rodríguez declared a state of emergency.
Venezuelan Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, Cavelho, noted that the earthquake affected multiple cities, and many buildings collapsed in the eastern part of Caracas.
The quake sparked panic in the capital Caracas, with people rushing into the streets. A 22-story building in Caracas' Altamira district collapsed.
At least 18 Injured in the Earthquake
Meanwhile, in Chacao, Miranda state, near the capital Caracas, the city's mayor Duque said on social media that two buildings had collapsed in the earthquake, and so far 18 trapped and injured people have been rescued. More than 500 government workers are carrying out rescue operations.
Strong Quake May Cause Heavy Casualties
US President Trump said on social media on the 24th that the two strong earthquakes that just struck Venezuela were both extremely powerful and have caused heavy casualties, and that the US is ready, willing, and able to offer assistance.
He said: "The US is ready, willing, and able to offer assistance! I have already instructed all relevant government departments to be ready to act quickly. We will fully support our great new friend. The initial reports are not optimistic."