Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in quick succession, causing strong tremors in Caracas. The US Geological Survey reported a magnitude 7.1 quake followed by an even stronger 7.5 tremor near Moron, about 160 km west of Caracas. These shallow quakes at a depth of 10 km could intensify their impact.
Venezuela’s Interior, Justice, and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello mentioned that the earthquakes caused damage in cities across the country. Buildings collapsed in the eastern part of the Caracas metropolitan area, with no immediate details on casualties provided. Cabello advised people to avoid staying inside buildings due to the risk of aftershocks.
Colombian media reported that the quake was strongly felt in several cities in Colombia. The USGS warned that the two quakes in Venezuela could lead to high casualties and extensive damage. In a separate incident, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit northeastern Japan, causing widespread shaking but no tsunami threat.
