Venezuela Struck by Powerful Earthquakes

CARACAS, Venezuela — On Wednesday evening, two significant earthquakes rattled Venezuela, leading to the collapse of buildings and widespread panic. The earthquakes measured magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 and impacted areas as far as Brazil’s Amazon, about 1,050 miles away.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez addressed the nation late on Wednesday, acknowledging damage across several states. However, she did not disclose specific figures concerning affected buildings or report on injuries or fatalities. The Simón Bolívar International Airport suffered extensive damage, which led to its closure. Classes were suspended for several days.

“We urge our population to remain calm,” Rodríguez stated. “We urge unity.”

Rodríguez also called on healthcare providers across the country to assist the injured. The Ministry of Education announced that several schools would be designated as shelters and donation points.

In the coastal state of Falcon, Governor Víctor Clark reported that 32 people had been hospitalized and 15 were still trapped hours after the earthquake.

The U.S. Geological Survey first indicated the initial earthquake’s magnitude as 7.1 but later revised it to 7.2. Its epicenter was located west of Morón, about 104 miles west of Caracas, with a depth of approximately 14 miles. The subsequent 7.5 magnitude earthquake followed a minute later, with its epicenter 10 miles southwest of Morón and a depth of about six miles.

These were among the most powerful earthquakes in Venezuela in over a hundred years. Buildings swayed in Caracas, compelling many to evacuate. Walls collapsed making household items visible from the streets, and dust clouds rose in neighborhoods typically bustling with businesses.

Residents remained outside for hours after the event, often clinging to pets as dust settled around them. Streets became blocked with debris from fallen buildings and electric poles, while parts of the city lost electricity and cellphone signal.

“It started off gently and then gradually grew, and in the end, we all had to leave our houses, go outside and gather together,” said Caracas resident Hector Ricci.

Rodríguez announced a state of emergency, noting cancellation of subway and natural gas services in Caracas. She encouraged residents to report damage via a government application.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello mentioned the earthquake affected several states, particularly the Altamira neighborhood in Caracas, where buildings collapsed. He urged motorists to allow emergency vehicles priority.

“Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed,” Cabello advised.

Panic spread on social media, with offers of assistance from international leaders including U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa.

While Colombia’s coastal regions felt the quakes, they reported no significant damage. The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts, soon rescinded.

Strong earthquakes are rare in Venezuela despite its location near multiple fault lines. Unlike Mexico and Chile, which experience frequent seismic activity due to the Pacific Ring of Fire, Venezuela’s position between the South American and Caribbean plates makes such occurrences less common.