Strong Earthquakes Hit Venezuela, Triggering Panic and Damage

Powerful Earthquakes Shake Venezuela

Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, prompting players and fans to flee a baseball stadium amid tremors. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, followed soon by a stronger 7.5 earthquake.

Epicenter and Impact

The quakes were centered near Morón, about 104 miles west of Caracas. Their shallow depths intensified the shaking, impacting a broad region. These earthquakes are among the most powerful to hit Venezuela in over a century.

“The earthquakes struck shortly after 6 p.m. local time,” reported the New York Daily News. “People evacuated swaying buildings in Caracas and stayed outside, witnessing collapsed walls and exposed furniture.”

Dust rose in two Caracas neighborhoods, where businesses usually buzz. Residents remained on the streets, with some sitting on the ground with shaken pets.

Damage and Response

Caracas saw structural damage, including fallen walls and impaired buildings. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello advised citizens to stay outside due to possible aftershocks.

Caracas resident Hector Ricci described the experience: “It started gently but soon became intense. We all had to leave our homes.”

Roberto Damas recounted the quake’s force: “The building swayed heavily. The strength was immense. We were tossed around and everything fell in the apartment, but we managed to get out.”

The tremors were felt across northern Venezuela and into Colombia. Brief tsunami advisories were lifted in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands after the threat subsided.

Authorities assessed the damage throughout Wednesday night. The extent of the damage and human impact remains uncertain.