A series of powerful earthquakes struck western Venezuela on Wednesday, including magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, causing major damage in and around Caracas.

Buildings and homes collapsed, emergency crews responded to rescue efforts, and residents fled shaking structures.

The U.S. Geological Survey warned that the disaster could result in high casualties and widespread destruction, with an early estimate of 10,000 to 100,000 possible deaths.

Authorities had not yet released official figures for deaths or injuries, CNBC has reported.

A tsunami warning was briefly issued for parts of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, before being canceled about an hour later.