Strong Earthquakes Hit Venezuela, Buildings Collapse in Caracas

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, leading to extensive damage in the capital, Caracas. The United States Geological Survey reported magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, occurring in close succession.

The first earthquake’s epicenter was near Morón, a coastal town located approximately 168 kilometers west of Caracas. It reached a depth of 13 kilometers. The second, stronger tremor happened minutes later, with its epicenter 16 kilometers southwest of Morón, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

Residents fled the swaying buildings, gathering outdoors, shocked by collapsed walls that exposed furniture to the streets. Dust clouds were visible in busy districts of the capital. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that tremors were felt across several states and noted ‘alarming’ damage in Altamira, Caracas, urging people to stay outside in case of further aftershocks.

These quakes are among the strongest in Venezuela for over a century. They were reminiscent of the 1900 San Narciso quake (magnitude 7.6) and the 2018 Sucre earthquake (magnitude 7.3). The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued alerts for the Virgin Islands, while the Dominican Republic also took precautions for the island.

The seismic activity reached neighboring Colombia, mostly affecting the Caribbean region and northeastern areas, with no reported damage or casualties. Colombia’s Maritime Directorate confirmed that no tsunami warning is issued for the Caribbean coast.