Two 7+ magnitude earthquakes hit Venezuela, with major damage reported in Caracas

Two earthquakes, the first with a magnitude of 7.2 and the second with a magnitude of 7.5, were reported Wednesday evening in northwestern Venezuela, according to the US Geological Survey. There were reports of extensive damage in Venezuela’s capital Caracas.

The first earthquake was located 17.6 kilometers northwest of the Venezuelan city of Montalbán, the USGS said, and struck at a depth of 8.2 miles. It was previously reported as a 7.1 magnitude quake before it was upgraded to 7.2.

Less than a minute later, a second earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck just north of the first. It was centered 21 kilometers northwest of Montalbán.

“This earthquake was the second event in a doublet, this 7.5 magnitude earthquake was preceded by 39 seconds before the 7.2 foreshock,” the USGS said.

These earthquakes are among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century.

The earthquake briefly triggered tsunami advisories for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, according to the US National Weather Service’s Tsunami Warning Program. Those advisories were later withdrawn.

“Based on all available data, there is a tsunami threat to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands from changes in sea level and strong currents that could be harmful to coastlines, beaches, harbors and coastal waters,” the weather service said earlier.

The extent of the damage and the number of people injured in the earthquake were not yet clear. Venezuela’s state television station, Venezolana de Televisión, reported that the earthquake was felt across the country, including in Caracas, Venezuela’s largest city.

People evacuated the moving buildings in Caracas and lived outside, many were shocked as they saw all the walls that had collapsed, leaving furniture visible on the street. Columns of dust can also be seen in two areas of the capital, where restaurants and other businesses are usually busy.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the tremors could be felt in several provinces, adding that the Altamira area of ​​Caracas had “shocking conditions” of collapsed houses and buildings. He urged people to stay outside because the earthquake could damage some buildings.

“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to the regulations so that relief and rescue efforts can be implemented to help those who need it most,” Cabello said on state TV. “Be very careful with children and old women, call each other and see if anyone is injured.”

He also urged people to stay outside because the earthquake may damage some buildings.

“The building was really shaking from side to side. It’s unusual. The force was incredibly strong,” said Caracas resident Roberto Damas. “We were walking and it threw us, everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out.”

Venezuela’s neighbor to the west, Colombia, wrote on social media that the earthquake did not cause a tsunami threat on its Caribbean coast.