A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Venezuela, RIA Novosti reports citing the European-Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC). This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
The earthquake was recorded at 22:04 UTC (04:04 Astana time) about 56 km from the city of Valencia, which has a population of approximately 1,619,000. The epicenter was at a depth of 35 km.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 occurred. They struck 16 km from the city of Moron and 24 km from San Felipe.
The agency also issued a tsunami warning. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said Venezuela is declaring a state of emergency after the powerful earthquake. The disaster damaged and completely destroyed several buildings. There are also dead and injured, but their numbers are still unknown.
According to American geologists, the death toll could exceed 100,000, with a 30% probability.
RIA Novosti also reported that a magnitude 6.9 earthquake was recorded in northeastern Japan. The earthquake was felt in Tokyo and even in the southern part of Russia's Kuril Islands. No tsunami warning was issued for this region. No reports of damage or casualties have been received.
The Russian Foreign Ministry called on Russians and residents of the country to remain calm and observe personal safety measures.