Back-to-back powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in the early hours of Thursday (Indian Standard Time), causing widespread damage and collapsing buildings in the capital, Caracas, according to officials and monitoring agencies. The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.1 and 7.5 in magnitude, were the most powerful to hit the Latin American country in a century.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the first quake measured magnitude 7.1, with its epicentre located west of Moron, a coastal community along Venezuela’s Caribbean shoreline, around 168 km west of Caracas. The quake struck at a shallow depth of 13 km.
40 seconds later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the same region. The second tremor occurred at a depth of 10 km, with its epicentre about 16 km southwest of Moron, further intensifying the impact across affected areas.
The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands following the seismic activity. However, the warnings were revoked later.
In Caracas, residents evacuated swaying buildings and remained outdoors as shockwaves passed through the city. Witnesses reported collapsed walls exposing furniture from inside homes and businesses, while dust clouds rose from damaged neighbourhoods.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the tremors were felt across multiple states and confirmed alarming situations in the Altamira district, including collapsed structures. He urged residents to stay outside as aftershocks could worsen the damage.
Cabello also indicated that injuries were likely and appealed for emergency lanes to be kept clear for ambulances. He said authorities were following rescue protocols and urged citizens to stay alert, especially for the safety of children and elderly residents.
Emergency monitoring agencies are continuing to assess the situation as aftershocks remain a possibility in the affected region. Authorities expect many casualties after the collapse of the buildings.
