Venezuela earthquakes: 'Like a bombing,' says Greek resident as panic grips Caracas

A Greek lawyer living in Caracas described the terrifying experience of two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela, causing extensive damage and widespread panic. Dina Antoniadi, a lawyer and member of the Greek community, was forced to evacuate her 14th-floor apartment after her 24-story building developed severe cracks.

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It was like a bombing. We were very scared.

"It's three in the morning here. I'm in another area because the building where I live has large cracks and we cannot stay inside at night. I left for safety reasons," she told ERT. Antoniadi recounted that the two seismic shocks occurred almost consecutively. "There were two or even three very fast and very strong earthquakes. The first was 7.2 magnitude and the second, which lasted longer, 7.5 magnitude. Panic ensued. Apartment buildings around us collapsed," she said.

For several hours, there was no electricity or communication. "We had no power, we had no way to communicate. Now the situation is gradually being restored, and that's why I can talk to you." Describing the scene in her apartment, she spoke of unprecedented destruction. "Everything fell on us. Televisions were destroyed, concrete fell, walls cracked. It was like a bombing. We were very scared."

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I'm still trembling. We had another aftershock a little while ago. We are shaking constantly.

Although her building did not collapse, residents had to descend the stairs amidst broken pipes and water leaks. "The pipes had broken, water was running everywhere. We went down to the street and security and municipal personnel were instructing us to move away from the buildings." Antoniadi noted that aftershocks were still occurring during her interview. "I'm still trembling. We had another aftershock a little while ago. We are shaking constantly."

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We have not yet understood the extent of the destruction.

She managed to leave the area about five hours after the main earthquake and is currently staying with relatives. "After five hours, I was able to leave. Now I am hosted by relatives, Greeks. All of us from the Greek community who have communicated are well." Antoniadi believes the full extent of the destruction is yet to be understood, fearing the casualty numbers could be high given that many people were home watching the World Cup. Local authorities have advised residents not to return to their homes until safety inspections are completed.

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They told us not to stay in our homes. Whoever can be hosted by relatives or friends should do so until building checks are completed and it is determined which are safe.