Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing buildings to collapse in the capital of Caracas and prompting tsunami alerts for the Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic.
Earthquake Details
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the first earthquake at a magnitude of 7.1, with its epicenter located west of the community of Morón along Venezuela's Caribbean coast, approximately 168 kilometers (104 miles) west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 13 kilometers (8 miles). Just one minute later, a second earthquake of magnitude 7.5 struck, with a depth of 10 kilometers and its epicenter 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Morón. These are among the strongest earthquakes to hit Venezuela in over a century.
Impact in Caracas
Residents fled swaying buildings in Caracas and remained outside, watching as structures collapsed. Dust columns rose in two neighborhoods of the capital, where restaurants and other businesses are typically busy. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that the quake was felt in several states, with the Altamira neighborhood experiencing “alarming situations” including collapsed homes and buildings. He suggested there were injuries and asked motorists to give way to ambulances and emergency vehicles.
“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” Cabello said on state television. “Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed.” He urged residents to remain outdoors as aftershocks could further damage weakened structures.
Caracas resident Roberto Damas described the experience: “The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong. We were walking and it was tossing us around. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out.”
Tsunami Alerts
The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert for the Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Dominican Republic also issued one for that island. A separate alert for Puerto Rico was quickly lifted.
