Strong earthquakes struck Venezuela and Japan

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicenter of the earthquake in Japan was at a depth of 50 kilometers off the coast of Iwate Prefecture. Tremors were also felt in Tokyo, according to Ukrainska Pravda.

The Japanese Prime Minister's Office has established a special task force to respond to the aftermath of the natural disaster.

Two earthquakes struck Venezuela. The first, a magnitude 7.2 quake, struck near San Felipe shortly after 6:04 PM ET. Just 40 seconds later, it was followed by a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake, whose epicenter was approximately 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that significant loss of life and widespread damage are likely.

According to the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers, dangerous tsunami waves are possible along the coastline up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) from the epicenter.

In Caracas, located approximately 300 kilometers from the earthquake's epicenter, a building was destroyed, damaged structures with missing walls, and dust clouds blanketed some areas of the city.

Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that the earthquake was felt in several states across the country.

"We have a very alarming situation. Buildings, houses, and residential structures have collapsed," he said.

He said the strongest tremors were felt in the states of Trujillo, Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua, and Miranda, as well as in Caracas and La Guaira. Cabello urged residents not to return to their homes due to the risk of aftershocks.

Photo: aa.com.tr.