Destruction and panic: Venezuela shaken by powerful earthquakes

Two powerful earthquakes rocked Venezuela on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction, injuries, and scenes of panic, particularly in the capital, Caracas. The first tremor, a magnitude 7.2 quake, struck at 6:04 p.m. local time with its epicenter 21 km west of Morón. It was followed almost immediately by a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake a few kilometers away, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

“

We need flashlights.

Journalists reported scenes of chaos in Caracas, with one 22-story building completely destroyed in the Altamira neighborhood. Distraught residents gathered outside, calling out for missing family members, while volunteers searched through the debris. "We need flashlights," one volunteer called out as night fell.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed that several buildings had collapsed and that there were injuries. "We have some injured, collapsed buildings," he stated. In a busy shopping center in Altamira, shoppers fled in panic as shelves toppled and the building shook violently. "It was incredible, I don't even know how long it lasted," said Heidi Romero, a 42-year-old merchant who escaped via emergency stairs. "The stairs broke, the whole wall cracked. Things fell from the ceiling. It was horrible," added Odalis Escalona, 54.

“

We have some injured, collapsed buildings.

Numerous areas lost electricity, and streets were littered with broken glass. Many people evacuated from buildings remained outside, fearing aftershocks. The USGS confirmed there was no tsunami threat. The tremors were felt strongly in several Venezuelan states, including Trujillo, Carabobo, Miranda, and La Guaira. The minister ordered the shutdown of direct gas lines to buildings in Caracas as a precautionary measure against potential accidents.

“

It was incredible, I don't even know how long it lasted. ... The stairs broke, the whole wall cracked. Things fell from the ceiling. It was horrible.