Two powerful earthquakes hit Caracas on Wednesday, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, causing widespread panic and building collapses. The full extent of casualties remains unknown.
Journalist Nicole Kolster, who witnessed the quake from her apartment in the upscale Palos Grandes district, described it as the "strongest quake I've ever felt." She sheltered between a front door and stone wall, fearing the building would collapse. Many residents rushed onto the streets as aftershocks threatened.
The quakes struck on a national holiday commemorating the Battle of Carabobo. Residents compared the event to the 1967 earthquake, which killed over 200 people, with many saying today's tremors felt worse. Rescue operations are underway.