Magnitude 7.1 earthquake shakes Venezuela

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake jolted Venezuela on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the capital, Caracas, where residents experienced scenes of panic. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the tremor, noting its epicenter was located 21 kilometers east of Morón.

The earthquake occurred at 22:04 GMT and was followed by several aftershocks. Its depth was approximately 10 kilometers. The seismic activity was not confined to Venezuela; the shaking was also felt in several cities in neighboring Colombia, including Bogotá, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga.

Following the earthquake, a tsunami alert was activated for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This measure was put in place due to the potential for dangerous sea level changes resulting from the significant seismic event.

Journalists from AFP in Venezuela described the panic that ensued in Caracas, with dozens of people evacuating buildings in the capital. They waited in the streets before returning to their offices and homes, highlighting the immediate impact of the earthquake on the population.