USGS Forecasts Many Casualties, Massive Destruction In Venezuela Over Powerful Earthquake

WASHINGTON, June 25 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- The United States (US) Geological Survey (USGS) has forecast multiple casualties and strong destruction in Venezuela, following the powerful double earthquake, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

“The USGS assesses that high casualties and damage are probable, and that the disaster is likely widespread. Aftershocks, some potentially with strong shaking, may follow this earthquake,” the USGS said in a statement.

The earthquake of such a category requires a national or international response, the USGS added.

Earlier in the day, the USGS reported about a 7.1 magnitude earthquake 28 kilometres northwest of Venezuela's Montalban, at a depth of 13 kilometres.

Later, the USGS said that there were two series of tremors with a 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude.

A RIA Novosti correspondent confirmed that there are casualties and damage in Caracas following a strong earthquake.

The US National Weather Service declared a tsunami alert after the powerful earthquake in Venezuela.

-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI