CARACAS, Venezuela — On Wednesday evening, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing significant damage and widespread panic among residents. The quakes registered at magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, leading to building collapses and evacuations extending as far as Brazil’s Amazon, 1,050 miles away.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez addressed the nation, confirming damage across multiple states. However, details about the extent of damage, injuries, or fatalities were not disclosed. The earthquakes caused severe damage to Simón Bolívar International Airport, prompting its closure. In response, classes are suspended for several days.
“We urge our population to remain calm. We urge unity.”
Rodríguez called on healthcare professionals to assist those injured and announced that some schools will serve as shelters and donation centers. Falcon state Governor Víctor Clark reported 32 hospitalizations and 15 individuals trapped more than four hours after the initial quake.
The U.S. Geological Survey revised the first earthquake’s magnitude to 7.2, with an epicenter near Morón on the Caribbean coast, around 104 miles west of Caracas. The second quake followed a minute later with a magnitude of 7.5 and a depth of about six miles.
Chaos in Caracas
The earthquakes, among the strongest in over a century for Venezuela, occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Many buildings in Caracas swayed, causing significant public distress. Entire walls crumbled, revealing furniture to the outside, while dust clouds appeared in two bustling neighborhoods.
“It started off gently and then gradually grew,” said Caracas resident Hector Ricci. “We all had to leave our houses, go outside, and gather together.”
A state of emergency was declared by Rodríguez, with subway and natural gas services suspended. The population is encouraged to report damages via a government app. The loss of cellphone signal further stressed many, especially those among the 7.7 million people who have left Venezuela amid ongoing political turmoil.
Outside Venezuela, opposition leader María Corina Machado, now in exile, shared prayers and strength on social media.
Widespread Impact
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed the earthquake’s effects in several states, particularly the Altamira neighborhood in Caracas, which experienced significant damage. Cabello urged caution and adherence to rescue efforts, emphasizing care for children and the elderly.
“The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong,” said Roberto Gamas, a Caracas resident.
Social media quickly became inundated with global offers of support. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and El Salvador President Nayib Bukele conveyed solidarity, with the latter offering assistance despite past political differences. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa pledged humanitarian aid, stressing the importance of humanity in leadership.
Regional Effects
Buildings were evacuated in Manaus, Belem, and Macapá in Brazil’s Amazon, while tremors were felt in Colombia’s Caribbean and northeast regions without any significant damage. The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued and then lifted several tsunami alerts.
Earthquakes are rare in Venezuela due to its location near fault lines but not as prone as coastal regions like Mexico and Chile. These areas rest on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” responsible for 90% of earthquakes globally, according to the USGS.
Reporters for the Associated Press, including Garcia Cano, Arraez, and others, contributed to this article.
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