Powerful quake causes buildings to collapse in Caracas
Caracas: Successive powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela and caused buildings to collapse in the capital Caracas.
The US Geological Survey said the first earthquake occurred on Wednesday evening (Thursday AEST) with a magnitude of 7.1. The epicenter of the earthquake was west of the community of Morón, approximately 168 kilometers west of Caracas, and had a depth of 13 kilometers.
Minutes later, the USGS reported an even larger magnitude 7.5 earthquake. The depth of the second earthquake was 10 kilometers and the epicenter was 16 kilometers southwest of Morón.
The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued tsunami warnings for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
“Some buildings in Caracas were destroyed, houses collapsed,” Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state television. It did not provide initial estimates of deaths or injuries and said protocols were being followed to gather more information. The USGS said “high casualties and major damage” were likely.
People evacuated and stayed out of shaking buildings in Caracas; many were visibly shocked to see entire walls collapsed and furniture becoming visible from the street. Dust columns can be seen in two areas of the capital where restaurants and other businesses are concentrated.
Cabello stated that the earthquake was felt in many states, adding that “alarming situations” were experienced with the collapse of houses and buildings in the Altamira region of Caracas. He urged the public to stay outside on the grounds that aftershocks could further damage some structures.
He urged drivers to clear the roads for ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to mobilize relief and recovery efforts to help those most in need,” Cabello said. “Be very careful of children and the elderly, call each other and check that no one is hurt.”
