On Wednesday evening, Venezuela was struck by two significant earthquakes that caused severe damage in the capital, Caracas. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the first earthquake with a magnitude of 7.1. It originated west of Morón, a community along the country’s Caribbean coast, located approximately 168 kilometers (104 miles) west of Caracas. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 13 kilometers (8 miles).
Minutes after the initial shock, a second earthquake with a larger magnitude of 7.5 was reported by the USGS. The epicenter of this quake was 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Morón and had a depth of 10 kilometers.
The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands due to the severity of the quakes. In Caracas, residents evacuated buildings that swayed during the shocks. People gathered outside, shocked at the sight of collapsed walls and exposed interiors of buildings. Dust was visible in neighborhoods typically bustling with activities, including restaurants and businesses.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that the earthquake was felt across several states. He highlighted serious concerns in the Altamira neighborhood, where many homes and buildings had collapsed. Cabello urged residents to remain outside as aftershocks posed additional risks to compromised structures.
Reports indicate that injuries occurred during the events. Emergency protocols were activated for aid and rescue operations. Cabello appealed for cooperation from motorists to ensure ambulances and emergency vehicles could access affected areas swiftly. He emphasized caution, particularly for children and elderly individuals, encouraging residents to check on each other’s well-being.
Leave a Reply