Back-to-back powerful earthquakes hammered Venezuela on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, with its epicenter located west of the community of Morón, along the country’s Caribbean coast. The quake had a depth of 13 kilometers.
Minutes later, the USGS reported an even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake, with a depth of 10 kilometers and its epicenter 16 kilometers southwest of Morón. The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
People evacuated swaying buildings in Caracas and remained outside, many visibly shocked as they saw entire walls that had collapsed, making furniture visible from the street. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the quake could be felt in several states and urged people to remain outside as aftershocks could further damage some structures.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
