Buildings have been reduced to nothing but rubble, as if they were hit by a bomb.

A series of powerful earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 or greater have struck Venezuela, causing mass collapses of homes and buildings in the capital, Caracas.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck approximately 160 km west of Caracas on the afternoon of June 24 (local time), followed just 30 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake.

The USGS stated that "high casualties and extensive damage are probable," projecting that the death toll could range from a minimum of 10,000 to as many as 100,000 people.

While Venezuelan authorities have yet to release an official count of casualties, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported the dire situation on state television, stating, "Buildings in the capital, Caracas, have collapsed, and houses have been destroyed."

In downtown Caracas, buildings shook violently, causing residents to rush outside in panic.

It was also reported that electricity and internet services were completely cut off immediately following the earthquakes.

Tsunami warnings have been issued for neighboring Puerto Rico, as well as the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning System has also warned that tsunami waves could strike islands near the Venezuelan coast, including Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire.

Reported by Lee Ho-keun | Video by Jang Yu-jin | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News