Earthquakes in Venezuela
On Wednesday evening, Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes that caused significant damage, particularly in the capital city of Caracas.
Details of the Earthquakes
- First Earthquake
- Magnitude: 7.1
- Epicenter: West of the community of Morón, along Venezuela's Caribbean coast
- Distance from Caracas: Approximately 168 kilometers (104 miles) to the west
- Depth: 13 kilometers (8 miles)
- Second Earthquake
- Magnitude: 7.5
- Epicenter: 16 kilometers (10 miles) southwest of Morón
- Depth: 10 kilometers
Impact and Response
- These earthquakes are among the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century.
- The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami alert for the Virgin Islands, and authorities in the Dominican Republic did the same for their region. However, the alert for Puerto Rico was quickly lifted.
- In Caracas:
- Buildings swayed, causing people to evacuate and remain outside, visibly shocked.
- Entire walls collapsed, exposing furniture from the street.
- Dust columns were visible in two neighborhoods known for busy eateries and businesses.
