Strong Earthquakes Strike Venezuela Causing Damage in Caracas

Two powerful earthquakes rocked Venezuela on Wednesday, resulting in the collapse of buildings and homes in Caracas, the country’s capital. Authorities have not yet provided immediate information regarding injuries.

The United States Geological Service reported that the earthquakes measured magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, occurring just one minute apart. The first quake’s epicenter was located to the west of Morón, a town along the country’s Caribbean coast, approximately 168 kilometers west of Caracas. It had a depth of 13 kilometers. Moments later, the Geological Service reported an even stronger quake with a depth of 10 kilometers and an epicenter 16 kilometers southwest of Morón.

In the capital, residents evacuated swaying buildings, remaining outdoors. Many were visibly shocked as entire walls crumbled, exposing furniture to the streets. Dust clouds were seen rising in two typically busy neighborhoods of Caracas. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello mentioned that the tremor affected several states, particularly in Altamira, Caracas, where alarming situations with collapsed homes and buildings were reported. He urged people to stay outside, as aftershocks could further damage some structures.

These earthquakes rank among the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century. Historical temblors include the 1900 San Narciso earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.6, and the 2018 Sucre earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.3.

The United States Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert for the Virgin Islands, while authorities in the Dominican Republic issued an alert for the island. The tremors were also felt in neighboring Colombia, especially in the Caribbean region and the northeast, without reports of damage or casualties. Colombia’s Maritime Directorate clarified in a statement that there is no tsunami alert for its Caribbean coast.