Powerful earthquakes have struck several parts of the world, including Venezuela, the Caribbean region, the United States, Mexico and parts of the Americas, prompting tsunami warnings and emergency responses in affected areas.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 5.6 earthquake was recorded in the US state of California. The tremors were reportedly felt across a wide area, with seismic activity drawing international attention.
In Venezuela, back-to-back earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.1 and 7.5 caused widespread destruction. A 22-storey building and numerous other structures reportedly collapsed, raising fears of a major humanitarian crisis.
Seismologists said the epicenter of the powerful quake was located approximately 284 kilometers east of the capital, Caracas. Authorities immediately issued tsunami warnings and declared a nationwide state of emergency.
American experts have warned that the death toll in Venezuela could exceed 10,000 due to the scale of the disaster, although official casualty figures have yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Japan. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicenter was located off the coast of Iwate Prefecture at a depth of 50 kilometers.
Tremors were felt in Tokyo and surrounding areas. Japanese authorities described the affected region as one of the country’s highest-risk seismic zones.
Japan’s Defense Minister has instructed the military to conduct aerial reconnaissance and gather intelligence from the earthquake-hit regions as emergency response operations continue.
Authorities across the affected countries are closely monitoring the situation and have urged residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks and tsunami threats.
