Powerful Earthquakes Rattle Venezuela, Cause Building Collapses in Caracas

On Wednesday, two strong earthquakes shook Venezuela, leading to the collapse of buildings and homes in Caracas, the capital of the South American nation. Authorities have not provided immediate information on any injuries.

The United States Geological Survey reported magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5 for the earthquakes, which occurred a minute apart. The epicenter of the first quake was located west of Morón, a town on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, approximately 168 kilometers west of Caracas. This earthquake had a depth of 13 kilometers.

A few minutes later, a stronger earthquake was reported by the US Geological Survey, with a depth of 10 kilometers and an epicenter situated 16 kilometers southwest of Morón.

Residents in the capital exited buildings that were shaking and remained outside, visibly shocked by entire walls collapsing, leaving furniture visible from the street. Dust plumes were observed in two normally busy neighborhoods of Caracas. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reported the quake was felt in several states, adding there were “alarming” situations in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas with collapsed homes and buildings. He urged the public to stay outdoors as aftershocks could cause further damage to some structures.

These earthquakes are among the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century. Historical quakes include the 7.6 magnitude San Narciso quake in 1900 and the 7.3 magnitude Sucre earthquake in 2018.

The United States Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert for the Virgin Islands. Authorities in the Dominican Republic also issued a warning for the island. In neighboring Colombia, the tremors were felt, especially in the Caribbean region and the northeast, but no damage or casualties were reported. The Colombian Directorate General of Maritime Affairs confirmed in a statement that there is no tsunami alert for Colombia’s Caribbean coast.