Devastation in Venezuela: Two Powerful Earthquakes Shake the Nation
Venezuela is currently facing a critical emergency after two powerful earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck several regions on Wednesday afternoon. According to preliminary data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre was located in northwestern Montalbán, in the central part of the country.
The seismic events were shallow—occurring at a depth of approximately 13.2 kilometres—which significantly increased the intensity of the tremors felt across the region.
Crisis in the Capital: Caracas Under Pressure
The impact in Caracas, located about 300 kilometres from the epicentre, has been alarming. Official reports indicate that several buildings have collapsed, and the city is experiencing widespread chaos. The Minister of the Interior, Diosdado Cabello, confirmed that the seismic event was likely superior to magnitude 7, causing severe distress in various sectors.
Key areas reporting severe damage include:
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- Altamira: Where at least one entire building has completely collapsed.
- Palos Grandes: A known seismic zone that has suffered significant structural failures.
- Maiquetía Airport: The roof of the airport has partially collapsed, leading to the immediate cancellation of all flights.
Regional Impact and Tsunami Warnings
The tremors were felt violently across multiple states, including Trujillo, Yaracuy, Carabobo, Aragua, Miranda, and La Guaira. Due to the magnitude and location of the quakes, the U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued threats for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, urging coastal residents to remain vigilant.
Authorities have issued urgent warnings for citizens not to remain inside their homes due to the high risk of aftershocks, which could bring down already weakened structures.
Heartbreaking Testimonies from the Ground
Beyond the official figures, the human toll is evident in the stories of survivors. María José del Pino, a veterinarian from Chivacoa, described the terror of the moment: “I heard a loud noise, like a heavy truck parking outside… then everything started to move. People were running through the streets screaming.”
Communication remains a major challenge, with many residents relying solely on WiFi as cellular signals fail. Others, like Favio, a driver in Caracas, described the sensation as if “someone had driven over me” while he was on the road, followed by the sight of walls cracking and belongings crashing down.
A Historical Perspective on Seismic Risk
Venezuela has a history of devastating seismic activity. The current crisis brings back memories of the 1967 earthquake, the most severe to hit Caracas to date. That event, measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale, resulted in 236 deaths and approximately 2,000 injuries, highlighting the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure.
As rescue teams work to determine the exact number of casualties and injured persons, the nation remains on high alert, praying for safety amid the uncertainty of further tremors.
