Two strong earthquakes hit western Venezuela
The US Geological Survey said a 7.2 quake and a 7.5 quake struck west of Caracas, with severe casualties and damage considered probable.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in quick succession late Wednesday, damaging the capital and raising fears of heavy casualties. The US Geological Survey said the back-to-back shocks hit west of Caracas, where Al Jazeera reported that buildings had been levelled.
The first quake, measured at magnitude 7.2, struck near San Felipe at 22:04 GMT, according to the USGS. The agency placed the area about 284km, or 176 miles, west of Caracas.
The USGS said a second, stronger earthquake followed almost immediately near Yumare. That quake was measured at magnitude 7.5 and was centered about 293km, or 182 miles, west of the capital, according to the agency.
The US science agency said high casualties and widespread damage were “probable.” Al Jazeera reported that the quakes had levelled buildings in Caracas, citing imagery from the capital after the tremors.
No confirmed casualty toll was immediately reported by Al Jazeera. The early account also did not include details on rescue operations, the condition of roads or hospitals, or any statement from Venezuelan authorities.
What is known
- The USGS recorded a magnitude 7.2 earthquake near San Felipe at 22:04 GMT on Wednesday.
- The agency said a magnitude 7.5 quake followed almost immediately near Yumare.
- Both reported epicentres were west of Caracas, roughly 284km and 293km from the capital.
- Al Jazeera reported serious damage in Caracas, including levelled buildings.
- The USGS assessed that high casualties and extensive damage were probable.
The twin shocks struck close together in time and in the same broad region west of the capital, according to the USGS locations. That sequence left authorities and residents facing the possibility of damage across more than one affected area, though confirmed details remained limited in the immediate aftermath.
Al Jazeera said further information was expected as the situation developed. The available early reporting pointed to a major emergency, but it did not yet provide verified figures for deaths, injuries or displacement.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.