Venezuela Hit by Two Powerful Earthquakes Within Minutes, Buildings Collapse in Caracas as Tsunami Alerts Issued

CARACAS: Venezuela was rocked by two powerful earthquakes within minutes on Wednesday evening, causing panic across the country, damaging buildings in the capital Caracas, and prompting tsunami alerts in parts of the Caribbean.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake struck at around 6 p.m. local time with a magnitude of 7.1. The epicenter was located west of Morón, a coastal community along Venezuela’s Caribbean shoreline, approximately 104 miles (167 kilometers) west of Caracas. The quake occurred at a depth of around 13 miles (21 kilometers).

Just one minute later, a second and even stronger earthquake measuring 7.5 magnitude struck the same region. The USGS reported that the second quake’s epicenter was about 10 miles southwest of Morón and at a shallower depth of roughly 6 miles (10 kilometers).

Panic Grips Caracas as Residents Rush Outdoors

The powerful tremors sent thousands of residents fleeing homes, offices, and commercial buildings across Caracas. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as buildings swayed violently and sections of walls collapsed in some neighborhoods.

Dust clouds were seen rising above parts of the city as debris fell from damaged structures. Many residents remained outdoors for hours after the earthquakes, fearing aftershocks and additional structural damage.

“It started gently and then became stronger and stronger. In the end, everyone had to leave their homes and gather outside,” one Caracas resident told local media.

Buildings Damaged, Emergency Response Underway

Authorities reported structural damage in several areas of the capital, including the Altamira district, where homes and buildings were affected by the powerful shaking.

Emergency crews, firefighters, and rescue teams were deployed to assess the damage and assist those in need. Officials urged drivers to make way for ambulances and emergency vehicles as rescue operations continued.

Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the earthquakes were felt across multiple states and warned residents to remain cautious due to the possibility of aftershocks.

“We understand that people are worried, but emergency protocols have been activated to assist those affected. Citizens should remain alert and check on children, elderly family members, and neighbors,” he said during a televised address.

Tsunami Alerts Issued Across Parts of the Caribbean

Following the earthquakes, the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert for the Virgin Islands. Authorities in the Dominican Republic also issued precautionary warnings, while an alert initially issued for Puerto Rico was later canceled.

Experts said the strength and relatively shallow depth of the earthquakes raised concerns about possible sea-level disturbances, prompting authorities to monitor coastal areas closely.

Among the Strongest Earthquakes in Venezuela in Over a Century

Seismologists say the twin earthquakes are among the most powerful to strike Venezuela in more than 100 years.

Although Venezuela lies near several fault systems, major earthquakes are relatively uncommon compared with countries such as Mexico and Chile. Those nations sit along the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic zones, where the majority of global earthquakes occur.

Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage, while rescue and recovery efforts remain ongoing in affected areas.