Two major earthquakes hit Venezuela

At least 164 people have died, and 700 were injured, following earthquakes in the South American nation of Venezuela.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake was reported, with an epicentre 160km (100 miles) west of the capital city of Caracas at around 6pm local time on 24 June. It was followed shortly after by a magnitude 7.5 tremor.

A number of buildings have collapsed, including in the capital, and critical damage has been reported to both health and public transport infrastructure in the affected region. Power and internet outages are also widespread.

Rescue efforts are currently underway – although the damage is likely to impede work to reach survivors and provide medical assistance.

While only 32 deaths have so far been confirmed, estimates by the US Geological Survey (USGS) suggest that the total death toll could be much higher. Its Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) model estimated a 39% chance of deaths of between 1,000 and 10,000, and a 37% likelihood of between 10,000 and 100,000 deaths in figures released at around 5am BST.

The model also predicted economic losses for Venezuela of between 1–4% of gross domestic product (GDP).

This estimate is reinforced by the Venezuelan Red Cross, who issued a statement saying that “damage assessments remain preliminary, and the full human impact is not yet known”.

The Red Cross also warned: “Strong aftershocks are posing additional risks to affected communities, and to the teams responding.” This includes its own teams, who are assisting with search and rescue efforts, and delivering relief supplies.

It follows an earthquake in the Philippines earlier this month.