DFA: No reported Filipino casualties after strong Venezuela earthquakes

There are no reports so far of Filipinos getting injured or who died following the strong back-to-back earthquakes that hit Venezuela, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

In a statement, the DFA said it is closely monitoring the situation in Venezuela through the Philippine Embassy in Bogota.

The Embassy is reportedly in touch with Filipino nationals in Caracas and in the city of Barinas.

“As of this writing, no reports of injuries or casualties were received from Filipino nationals in Venezuela,” the agency said.

“The DFA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates,” it added.

According to the DFA, Filipinos have been advised to seek shelter in a safe place and monitor local news for updates.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160 km (100 miles) west of Caracas on Wednesday, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

The USGS said that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread," initially estimating the death toll ranging from 10,000 to 100,000.

Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez has declared a state of emergency following the earthquakes. — RSJ, GMA News