Powerful Earthquake Rocks Venezuela, Tsunami Alert Issued

Venezuela was rocked by two powerful earthquakes within minutes of each other on Wednesday evening, triggering widespread panic across the country and raising fears of large-scale destruction. The strong tremors were felt across several cities, including the capital Caracas, while authorities launched emergency response operations in the affected regions.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake struck at approximately 6:04 PM local time near the coastal cities of Montalban and Moron. The quake registered a magnitude of 7.2 and occurred at a depth of around 13 kilometres beneath the surface.

Before residents could recover from the initial shock, a second and stronger earthquake measuring 7.5 magnitude struck the same region just minutes later. The epicentre of the second quake was located about 16 kilometres southwest of Moron at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres.

The twin earthquakes sparked concerns of severe structural damage across multiple regions. Authorities fear that residential buildings, commercial structures and public infrastructure may have suffered extensive damage due to the intensity of the tremors.

USGS Warns of Potential Major Impact

In its preliminary assessment, the USGS indicated that the earthquakes had the potential to cause significant destruction and a major humanitarian emergency. The agency warned that the disaster could have a widespread impact across affected areas, although official casualty figures were not immediately available.

Emergency agencies have begun assessing damage and conducting search-and-rescue operations in regions believed to be hardest hit by the disaster.

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Panic Grips Caracas

The tremors were reportedly felt beyond Venezuela’s borders, with residents in neighbouring countries also experiencing strong shaking. In Caracas, frightened residents rushed out of homes, offices and high-rise buildings as structures swayed during the earthquake.

Several reports indicated damage to buildings in different parts of the capital, creating panic among citizens who gathered in open spaces seeking safety from possible aftershocks.

Government officials urged residents to remain calm and follow emergency advisories. Authorities also warned that additional aftershocks could occur and advised people to stay away from damaged structures until safety inspections are completed.

Emergency Operations Intensified

Rescue teams, medical personnel and emergency response units have been deployed to affected areas as authorities work to assess the scale of the disaster. Officials have appealed to citizens to keep roads clear to allow emergency vehicles and rescue teams to move without obstruction.

Authorities have also urged residents to check on elderly family members, children and vulnerable individuals while maintaining communication with relatives and neighbours during the emergency.

Tsunami Warning Issued

Following the powerful earthquakes, tsunami alerts were issued for parts of the Caribbean region. Monitoring agencies warned of potential tsunami threats for coastal areas of Venezuela as well as nearby islands and territories.

Emergency management agencies are closely monitoring sea-level activity and have advised coastal residents to remain alert and follow official instructions until the threat assessment is completed.

The full extent of the damage is still being evaluated, and authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue and relief operations remain underway.