A powerful earthquake off Venezuela has renewed calls for Barbadians to remain prepared for earthquake and tsunami hazards, with disaster officials warning that the island sits in a region that remains susceptible to earthquakes and potential tsunami impacts.

The appeal comes after two catastrophic earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela less than a minute apart on Wednesday evening, killing more than 164 people, triggering widespread destruction and a massive search-and-rescue effort.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez revealed that the coastal state of La Guaira, north of the capital Caracas, was hardest hit.