Twin Venezuela quakes flatten walls in Caracas, trigger tsunami alerts

Two powerful earthquakes struck near Moron and jolted Caracas within minutes. The twin tremors caused collapses, triggered tsunami alerts and raised aftershock fears.

In Short

• Residents fled swaying buildings in Caracas as panic spread across neighbourhoods
• Tsunami alerts were issued for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
• Two quakes struck near Moron within minutes at shallow depths

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes of each other on Wednesday evening, causing buildings to collapse in Caracas and forcing people to rush out of swaying structures. Authorities said the tremors were felt in several states, while residents in the capital stayed outdoors amid fears of aftershocks.

The first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, according to the US Geological Survey, while the second was stronger at 7.5. The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands after the back-to-back quakes.

The USGS said the first quake was centred west of Moron on Venezuela's Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometres west of Caracas, and had a depth of 13 kilometres. Minutes later, it reported that the second quake was centred 16 kilometres south-west of Moron and had a depth of 10 kilometres.

In Caracas, people evacuated buildings as the structures shook. Many remained outside, visibly shocked, after seeing entire walls collapse and furniture exposed to the street. Columns of dust were seen in two neighbourhoods of the capital, where restaurants and other businesses are usually busy.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the Altamira neighbourhood in Caracas had "alarming situations" with collapsed homes and buildings. He urged people to stay outside because aftershocks could cause further damage to weakened structures. He also indicated that some people may have been injured, and asked motorists to make way for ambulances and other emergency vehicles. "We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it the most," Cabello said on state television. "Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed."

The twin earthquakes left visible damage in Caracas, triggered evacuations and prompted emergency response measures, as officials warned people to remain cautious because of possible aftershocks.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends