CARACAS, Venezuela – Two massive earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon, causing severe destruction in the capital, Caracas, and several states. The tremors, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, hit the country within just one minute of each other. The US Geological Survey warns of a high likelihood of very significant casualties and widespread catastrophe.
Zwei gewaltige Stöße binnen einer Minute
The initial earthquake, measuring 7.2, occurred approximately 100 miles west of Caracas. A minute later, an even stronger tremor followed with a magnitude of 7.5. These seismic events are among the most powerful to have struck Venezuela in over a century. The country is situated in a highly seismically active zone where the Caribbean Plate collides with the South American Plate.
USGS befürchtet Zehntausende Tote
The United States Geological Survey issued an urgent warning, predicting high casualty numbers and extensive damage. Initial estimates suggest the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000. Official figures regarding fatalities or injuries had not yet been released by Venezuelan authorities.
Decken stürzen ein, Stadion bebt
Chaotic scenes unfolded at Maiquetia International Airport, where ceiling panels fell and sparks flew as panicked people fled for safety. A baseball game in Caracas was also abruptly interrupted, with players and spectators rushing onto the field as stadium seats and power lines shook violently.
Schreie und Panik im ganzen Land
The powerful tremors hit Venezuela during a public holiday, with many people at home commemorating the Battle of Carabobo, a key event in the country’s independence from Spain in 1821. “As soon as it started, we heard people screaming,” reported 41-year-old publicist Astrid Ramirez from western Caracas. “Everyone ran down the stairs.”
Trümmerberge und verzweifelte Suche nach Angehörigen
Much of the country suffered massive destruction, with numerous buildings in Caracas and other regions either destroyed or severely damaged, leaving furniture and debris piled in the streets. Rescue teams worked through the ruins of collapsed homes, and in the evening, shocked residents desperately searched for missing relatives.
Innenminister ruft zur Besonnenheit auf
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed on state television that several states were affected and that rescue protocols had been activated. “We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols,” Cabello stated. He urged particular attention to children and the elderly, and to ensure everyone’s safety.
Tsunami-Warnung zurückgezogen
The US Tsunami Warning System had issued a precautionary alert for Puerto Rico and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands following the quakes. However, the warning was rescinded approximately one hour later, rendering fears of a tsunami unfounded.
Eine Region im Schock der Geschichte
This region has a history of seismic trauma; a major earthquake in March 1812 devastated large parts of Merida and Caracas, reportedly killing around 30,000 people according to the USGS. Rescue workers and awestruck residents began the search in the rubble, while officials began assessing the full extent of the damage.
Auch Kalifornien bebte – und Experten warnen vor dem ganz Großen
Just hours after the Venezuelan quakes, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Northern California on Wednesday morning. The epicenter was near Willits in Mendocino County, described by U.S. seismologist Lucy Jones as the strongest quake in that area since 1940. While no major damage or casualties were reported, dozens of homes and businesses sustained property damage. Experts view this event with concern, especially following a study published in June in the Journal of Geophysical Research, which warned that stress along the San Andreas and San Jacinto faults in Southern California is at its highest in over 1,000 years. Researchers have identified a critical intersection at Cajon Pass northeast of Los Angeles as an “earthquake gateway” that could determine whether a major quake ruptures one or both faults.