The U.S. Geological Survey has highlighted the magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck Venezuela on Wednesday as the most significant since 1900, either within the country or just off its coast. Previously, on October 29, 1900, a magnitude 7.7 earthquake was reported near Venezuela’s coast, according to data from the U.S.G.S. catalog.
Details regarding the earlier quake, known as the San Narciso Earthquake, come from damage reports as modern equipment was not available at the time. Paule Earle, a U.S.G.S. geophysicist, explained that these calculations rely on documented impacts in the area.
The San Narciso Earthquake had devastating effects on Caracas, striking early in the morning and resulting in the death of 21 individuals while injuring 50. Churches, public buildings, and homes were destroyed. On November 17, 1900, The New York Times reported that over 300 buildings had collapsed, including university towers and various church spires. Many Venezuelans were subsequently forced to live in tents following the destruction.
In contrast, the recent earthquake is deemed potentially more deadly than its historical counterpart. Though exact figures of casualties and damage are still unknown, it was preceded by a magnitude 7.2 quake, identified by experts as a foreshock to the main 7.5 shock.
William Barnhart, another geophysicist from the U.S.G.S., elaborated that earthquakes often cause stress changes in the ground, leading to further seismic events. This phenomenon likely explains the dual earthquake occurrence in Venezuela.
Positioned between the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates, Venezuela experiences frequent earthquakes. Past significant tremors include a magnitude 7.3 quake on August 21, 2018, and a magnitude 7.0 on July 9, 1997. These events underscore the seismic volatility in the region.
Amy Graff contributes as a reporter for The New York Times, focusing on weather phenomena, wildfires, and seismic activity.