A series of powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday night, causing structural collapses in the capital, Caracas.
The United States Geological Survey reported that the first tremor measured 7.1 on the Richter scale, with its epicenter located west of the town of Morón along the Caribbean coast, approximately 168 kilometers (104 miles) from Caracas. The hypocenter was 13 kilometers (8 miles) deep.
Just one minute later, the USGS recorded a second quake of magnitude 7.5. This event occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles) and was centered 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Morón.
These quakes rank among the most significant to affect Venezuela in over a century.
Residents evacuated swaying structures in Caracas and remained outdoors, many visibly shocked as entire walls collapsed, exposing interior furnishings from the street. Clouds of dust were observed in two capital neighborhoods that are normally bustling with restaurants and businesses.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello noted that the tremor was felt across several states. In the Altamira district of Caracas, he described “alarming conditions” with collapsed homes and buildings, indicating injuries and urging motorists to yield to ambulances and emergency responders.
“We recognize that some may be in distress, but we are proceeding according to established protocols to mobilize aid and rescue operations for those most in need,” Cabello stated on state television. “Exercise extreme caution around children and the elderly; check on one another and report any injuries.”
Cabello further urged the public to stay outdoors, as aftershocks could potentially compromise already weakened structures.
“The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong,” Caracas resident Roberto Damas said. “We were walking and it was tossing us around. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out.”
(FRANCE 24 with AP)
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