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Venezuela was rocked by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday, with the second and larger tremor measuring magnitude 7.5 — the strongest to hit the country since 1900 Source: CNA. The quakes caused widespread panic, building collapses, and at least 188 deaths, according to reports from affected areas Source: CNA.
The first earthquake, registered at magnitude 7.1 about an hour west of Caracas, struck during a public holiday Source: The Guardian. A second, more powerful magnitude 7.5 quake followed shortly after, with its epicentre 16 km south-west of Morón at a depth of 10 km Source: The Guardian. The US Geological Survey reported both events, while the US Tsunami Warning System briefly issued a tsunami threat for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands before cancelling it Source: The Guardian.
In Caracas, a 22-story building collapsed in the affluent Altamira neighbourhood, trapping residents Source: CNA. Witnesses described walls cracking and glass shattering Source: The Guardian. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged people to stay outside due to aftershocks and asked motorists to give way to ambulances Source: The Guardian. Hospitals in La Guaira were overwhelmed, with patients arriving with facial, thoracic, and abdominal trauma .
“Venezuelans trapped alive after twin quakes kill at least 188”
“Wednesday's 7.5-magnitude earthquake was the most powerful since October 29, 1900, when a 7.7-magnitude tremor struck offshore.”
“A strong earthquake shook north-central Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon, west of Caracas, with residents in neighbouring Colombia also reporting feeling tremors.”
“The interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, said the quake could be felt in several states, adding that the Altamira neighbourhood in Caracas had 'alarming situations' with collapsed homes and buildings.”
Note: While CNA reports a death toll of at least 188, The Guardian's account does not provide specific casualty figures, focusing instead on injuries and damage. Tremors were felt as far away as Colombia and Brazil Source: CNA.
Venezuela earthquake search continues as death toll reaches 188