Powerful Back-to-Back Earthquakes Strike Venezuela

Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.1 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck western Venezuela on Wednesday, causing significant damage and building collapses in the capital, Caracas.

Key points

• The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the first quake occurred west of Morón at a depth of 13 kilometers, followed by a larger 7.5-magnitude tremor one minute later.
• Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed structural damage and collapsed homes in Caracas, urging citizens to follow emergency protocols.
• The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued temporary tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
• The earthquakes are considered among the strongest to hit the region in over a century.

Why it matters

The high-magnitude seismic events have caused widespread destruction in a densely populated capital, raising concerns about significant casualties and the stability of infrastructure.