Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon, causing significant structural damage and likely resulting in widespread casualties, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quakes, measuring 7.1 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit near the coast, shaking buildings violently in the capital, Caracas.
Residents evacuated swaying structures and rushed into the streets. Images from Caracas showed buildings collapsed, with entire walls caving in, exposing furniture to the outside. Dust columns rose from neighborhoods where businesses were typically active. The USGS warned that "high casualties and extensive damage are probable," with initial estimates suggesting between 10,000 and 100,000 fatalities could be possible.
Authorities had not immediately released official figures for deaths or injuries. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed on state television that "some buildings have been brought down (in Caracas), houses have collapsed." He urged the public to remain outside buildings, as aftershocks could further destabilize damaged structures.
The first tremor occurred at 6:04 p.m. local time, approximately 17 miles northwest of Montalbán, with a depth of 8 miles. Just one minute later, a second, stronger earthquake of magnitude 7.5 struck, with its epicenter 10 miles southwest of Morón and a depth of 6 miles. These seismic events are among the most powerful to have hit Venezuela in over a century.
Cabello noted that the earthquake was felt in multiple states, reporting "alarming situations" in Caracas's Altamira neighborhood due to collapsed homes and buildings. He advised caution, particularly for children and the elderly, and encouraged people to check on one another.
Many Venezuelans were at home observing a public holiday commemorating an 1821 independence victory when the quakes hit. Despite the epicenter being inland, the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center indicated that tsunami waves were possible along the coasts of Venezuela, Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba, advising those near the water to evacuate to higher ground.
Witnesses described terrifying experiences. Roberto Damas, a Caracas resident, recounted, "The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong." Astrid Ramirez, a 41-year-old publicist, heard "people screaming" as everyone ran for the stairs. Coro Martinez, 56, described objects falling inside her home and a loud crashing sound.
Venezuela is situated in a seismically active region where the Caribbean Plate meets the South American Plate. Caracas itself experienced a deadly magnitude 6.3 earthquake in 1967. Maria Romero, an 80-year-old pensioner, stated that the recent earthquake was "horrible, even worse than the one in 1967."
Emergency services were visible on the streets, assessing damage to building facades. Some residents reported cracks forming in their buildings and shattered glass. Power and internet services were also disrupted in parts of Caracas. A witness in Valencia described significant cracks in walls and evacuated their building with their husband as soon as the shaking stopped. 
