Back-to-back powerful earthquakes slam Venezuela, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas

Powerful back-to-back earthquakes rocked Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing significant damage, including the collapse of buildings in the capital, Caracas. The U.S. Geological Survey reported the first tremor registered a magnitude of 7.1, with its epicenter located west of Morón along the Caribbean coast. Just one minute later, an even stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck, with its epicenter southwest of Morón. These seismic events are among the most powerful to hit Venezuela in over a century. The earthquakes struck shortly after 6 p.m. local time, sending residents fleeing from swaying buildings. Many were visibly shaken as they witnessed collapsed walls and debris in the streets of Caracas, a city typically bustling with activity in the evening. Dust columns rose from affected neighborhoods, signaling the extent of the damage. "The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong," recounted Caracas resident Roberto Gamas. "Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out." Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed "alarming situations" in the Altamira neighborhood, with collapsed homes and buildings. He announced the activation of aid and rescue efforts and urged motorists to yield to emergency vehicles. Authorities issued tsunami alerts for the Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic, though one for Puerto Rico was quickly lifted. While Venezuela sits near fault lines, strong earthquakes are relatively uncommon due to its tectonic plate position.

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The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out.