Two powerful earthquakes struck within a minute of each other, damaging buildings in Caracas and other cities, with authorities warning of aftershocks and possible casualties…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within a minute of each other, causing widespread tremors across the country, collapsing buildings in parts of Caracas and raising fears of casualties and extensive damage.
The twin quakes hit late on Wednesday, with strong shaking reported in the capital, Caracas. Windows rattled and household items were thrown from shelves, while images shared on social media showed several houses and buildings reduced to rubble.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake measured magnitude 7.1 and struck at 2204 GMT near the coastal town of Moron, about 160 kilometres west of Caracas. Just one minute later, a stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck in the same area.
Both earthquakes occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres, increasing the likelihood of severe ground shaking and structural damage.
Venezuela’s Interior, Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello said the earthquakes caused damage in several cities across the country. He confirmed that multiple buildings had collapsed in the eastern part of the Caracas metropolitan area but did not immediately provide details on casualties or injuries.
Cabello urged residents to stay away from buildings over the coming hours because of the risk of powerful aftershocks that could trigger additional collapses. He also appealed for calm as emergency authorities assessed the scale of the disaster.
The USGS warned that the twin earthquakes were likely to result in high casualties and significant damage because of their strength and shallow depth.
The tremors were also felt across neighbouring Colombia, with local media reporting strong shaking in several cities.
In a separate development, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northeastern Japan on Thursday morning, shaking a wide area across the region and briefly disrupting transport services. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the quake struck off the Pacific coast of Iwate Prefecture at around 7.30 a.m. local time at a depth of 50 kilometres. Authorities said there was no tsunami threat.
Modi offers India’s support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed distress over the devastation caused by earthquakes in Venezuela and reaffirmed India’s support in the difficult time.
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in quick succession, both causing strong tremors in the capital of Caracas.
Taking to X, PM Modi said, “Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of India, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially to the families who have lost their loved ones.”
“We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time,” he said.
“India stands ready to extend all possible assistance,” the Prime Minister added.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) reported a magnitude 7.1 quake at 2204 GMT on Wednesday evening, followed just one minute later by an even stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor. Both struck near the coastal town of Moron, about 160 km west of Caracas.
The quakes were shallow with a depth of 10 km, which could intensify their destructive impact.
Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has announced a State of Emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck the South American nation, causing widespread damage.
“Following the strong earthquakes recorded this afternoon in the country, we have declared a State of Emergency throughout the national territory. We call on all citizens to remain alert, safe, and as calm as possible,” Rodriguez said in a post on X.
She also announced that the Maiquetia airport has been closed due to earthquake damage. She assured that the security bodies, medical services, and civil protection teams are deployed across the country to carry out rescue and relief operations.
Venezuela’s Interior, Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello said the strong earthquakes have caused damage in cities across the country.
