Strong 7.1 earthquake shakes Venezuela; tsunami alert activated for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

A magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook Venezuela on Wednesday, triggering scenes of panic in the capital, Caracas, according to reports from AFP journalists on the ground. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the seismic event, which occurred at 22:04 GMT.

The earthquake's epicenter was located 21 kilometers east of Morón, and it was followed by several aftershocks. The tremor's depth was recorded at 10 kilometers. The shaking was also felt in various cities across Colombia, including Bogotá, Barranquilla, and Bucaramanga.

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My heart, my embrace, and my prayers are with every Venezuelan home in these hours of anguish.

In response to the earthquake, a tsunami alert was issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provided the information regarding the seismic event and its potential impact on coastal regions.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people. "My heart, my infinite embrace, and my prayers are with every Venezuelan home in these hours of anguish," she wrote on X. Machado added, "May strength, serenity, and solidarity prevail among us in this difficult moment. May God protect every Venezuelan, our families, and our homes. Today, more united than ever."

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May strength, serenity, and solidarity prevail among us in this difficult moment. May God protect every Venezuelan, our families, and our homes. Today, more united than ever.