Death toll rises to at least 164 after back-to-back major earthquakes devastate Venezuela
CARACAS, Venezuela — At least 164 people were killed and more than 940 injured after two major earthquakes struck northern Venezuela about 120 miles west of Caracas on Wednesday, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez told Venezuela state television early Thursday.
An initial magnitude 7.2 earthquake was the first event in a doublet, and was followed roughly 39 seconds later by a larger 7.5 mainshock, resulting in the issuance of a rare red alert by the U.S. Geological Survey for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said that a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck at 6:04 p.m. ET, with its epicenter about 15 miles east-northeast of San Felipe, Venezuela, at a depth of about 13.6 miles.
A second major earthquake struck just seconds later, according to the USGS. The magnitude 7.5 quake occurred at 6:05 p.m. ET, with its epicenter about 14 miles southeast of Yumare, Venezuela, at a depth of approximately 6 miles.
STRONG MAGNITUDE 6.9 EARTHQUAKE SHAKES OFF EASTERN COAST OF JAPAN
The second-highest shaking level rated by the USGS, classified as "violent," was reported in the city of San Cabello, with a population of 209,000.
Rodriguez said she remains in contact with the governor of the state of La Guaira, which she said has suffered some of the most extensive damage.
La Guaira is about 30 miles north of Caracas. Images from the area showed a number of collapsed buildings, and the state has been declared a disaster zone.
Meanwhile, Simón Bolívar International Airport, which serves Caracas and is Venezuela's primary international airport, sustained damage and is currently closed.
The acting president said she has been in contact with President Donald Trump and other international leaders who have promised aid.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Thursday that American search and rescue teams have been deployed to the country.
The National Weather Service Tsunami Warning Center initially warned that there was a tsunami threat to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands of sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents that could be hazardous along coasts and beaches.
The tsunami warnings were canceled in a later advisory issued at 7:12 p.m.
According to NWS tsunami forecasts, wave heights affecting Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands were expected to remain below 1 foot.
This is a developing story. Check back with FOX Weather for the latest.
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