Twin Earthquakes Collapse Buildings in Venezuela's Capital
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within roughly a minute of each other, collapsing buildings in the capital, Caracas.
The U.S. Geological Survey says high casualties are "probable."
What We Know So Far
[CONFIRMED] The first earthquake measured magnitude 7.1, with an epicenter west of the community of Morón along Venezuela's Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometers (104 miles) west of Caracas, at a depth of 13 kilometers, according to NBC News.
[CONFIRMED] A second, larger earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5 struck roughly a minute later, with an epicenter about 16 kilometers southwest of Morón at a depth of 10 kilometers.
[CONFIRMED] The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with islands off Venezuela's coast, including Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, also at risk of hazardous waves.
[CONFIRMED] Buildings collapsed in Caracas, with entire walls down and furniture visible from the street in multiple neighborhoods, according to NBC News' on-the-ground reporting.
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What Is Still Unknown
It is not yet confirmed how many people have been killed or injured. The USGS has said high casualties are "probable" given the magnitude and depth of the quakes, but no official death toll has been released.
The full extent of structural damage across Caracas and other affected areas has not yet been assessed.
It is not yet confirmed whether the tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire will be upgraded, downgraded, or lifted.
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What Authorities Have Said
Venezuela's Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, said the quake was felt across several states and described "alarming situations" in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas, including collapsed homes and buildings.
Cabello urged residents to stay outdoors due to the risk of aftershocks further damaging structures, and asked motorists to clear roads for ambulances and emergency vehicles, indicating injuries had occurred.
"We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most," Cabello said on state television, according to NBC News.
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What to Watch Next
The next confirmed developments will likely be an official casualty count from Venezuelan authorities and a clearer picture of aftershock activity, which officials have already flagged as an active risk to weakened structures.
Tsunami advisory updates for the Caribbean region are also expected as the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center continues to monitor wave activity following both quakes.
🔄 We will update this article as new information is confirmed.
Follow TheTrendsWire for live updates.
Key Takeaways
- Two earthquakes, measuring magnitude 7.1 and 7.5, struck Venezuela roughly a minute apart, with epicenters near Morón, west of Caracas.
- Buildings collapsed in multiple Caracas neighborhoods, including Altamira.
- The USGS says high casualties are "probable"; no official death toll has been confirmed.
- Tsunami alerts are active for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and nearby Caribbean islands.
- Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged residents to stay outdoors due to aftershock risk.
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Politics & World News Editor
James Mitchell has covered US and UK politics for over a decade, with a focus on elections, foreign policy, and Capitol Hill. He breaks down complex political stories into clear, fast analysis.
