Caracas experienced two powerful earthquakes Wednesday, leading to the collapse of buildings and homes in the capital. Authorities have yet to provide details on any injuries.
The United States Geological Survey reported magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, with the two quakes happening one minute apart. They identified the epicenter of the first quake west of Morón, located on the Caribbean coast, around 168 kilometers from Caracas. This quake had a depth of 13 kilometers.
Shortly after, a second, stronger quake was reported. It had a depth of 10 kilometers and its epicenter 16 kilometers southwest of Morón.
Residents fled shaking buildings in the capital, staying outside, many visibly shaken by entire walls collapsing and furniture becoming visible from the street. Dust clouds were seen in two busy neighborhoods.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that the quakes were felt in multiple states and reported alarming situations in Altamira with collapsed buildings. He advised the public to stay outdoors, cautioning that aftershocks could further damage structures.
These quakes rank among the strongest in Venezuela in over a century. A 1900 earthquake in San Narciso had a magnitude of 7.6 and Sucre’s 2018 quake measured 7.3.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in the United States issued a tsunami alert for the Virgin Islands. The Dominican Republic also issued a warning for the island.
In neighboring Colombia, the quakes were felt in the Caribbean region and the northeast without reports of damage or casualties. Colombia’s Maritime Authority clarified there is no tsunami alert for the Caribbean coast.