On Wednesday evening, Venezuela was hit by two powerful earthquakes in quick succession, causing multiple buildings to collapse in the capital Caracas and forcing residents to flee into the streets. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake, magnitude 7.1, struck west of the community of Morón along the Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometers west of Caracas, at a depth of 13 kilometers.
Just minutes later, the USGS recorded a second, stronger quake at magnitude 7.5. Its epicenter lay at a depth of 10 kilometers, about 16 kilometers southwest of Morón.
The USGS warned: “There is a high likelihood of casualties and significant damage; the disaster could be widespread.”
In Caracas, residents evacuated violently shaking buildings and gathered outside. Many were terrified as entire walls collapsed, exposing furniture and belongings to the street. Thick dust clouds rose over two neighborhoods of the capital, areas usually crowded with restaurants and shops.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed the earthquake was felt in multiple states. He said the Altamira neighborhood in Caracas is facing “alarming situations” as several houses and buildings collapsed. Cabello urged people to remain outdoors, as aftershocks could further damage structures.
“We understand some people may panic, but we are following procedures to activate support and rescue efforts to help those most in need,” Cabello said on national television. “Be extremely careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one is injured.”
Caracas resident Roberto Damas recounted: “The building was shaking really from side to side. Unbelievable. The force was extremely strong. We were walking and it threw us around. Everything in the apartment fell down. Thank God we managed to get out.”
