Magnitude 7.5 Earthquake Hits Venezuela, Chacao Reports Casualties

A powerful earthquake doublet struck central Venezuela on Wednesday, with magnitudes of 7.5 and 7.2 occurring 39 seconds apart, causing widespread damage and casualties in Caracas and surrounding areas Source: Infobae. The municipality of Chacao was among the hardest hit, where Mayor Gustavo Duque confirmed multiple building collapses and deaths Source: El Día.

Earthquake and Tsunami Alert

The U.S. National Tsunami Warning Center described the pair of quakes as a "seismic doublet," with the 7.5 event as the main shock Source: Infobae. A tsunami alert was issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands but later canceled Source: El Día. The epicenter was located 21 km from Morón, Carabobo, at a depth of 13.2 km Source: El Caribe.

Damage and Casualties

Reports on collapsed buildings varied by source. Mayor Duque initially cited two collapsed structures, later updating to four buildings, including Petunia, Don Pepe, the Altamira Village Hotel, and one in Bello Campo Source: El Nacional, La Voz. However, La Voz noted only three buildings (Petunia, Belmont, Don Pepe) collapsed fully. Casualty figures also conflicted: Duque reported 11 deaths and 26 rescued in Chacao Source: La Voz, while other outlets had 16 to 18 rescued Source: El Nacional, El Día. Nationally, President Delcy Rodríguez announced 32 dead and 700 injured, excluding La Guaira .