Strikes Just 60 Seconds Apart
On June 24, Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, occurring less than a minute apart. The first tremor struck at 22:04 GMT, with its epicenter near the city of San Felipe, 284 kilometers west of Caracas, at a depth of 22 kilometers. The second quake, with a magnitude of 7.5, hit 16 kilometers southwest of Morón at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Caracas, Venezuela's capital, suffered extensive damage. In the Altamira district, reports indicate collapsed buildings and other alarming situations. Local residents described their experiences. One person noted:
“At first it shook lightly, then stronger and stronger—and eventually we all ran out of our homes into the street.”Another added:
“The house swayed from side to side. Unbelievable. The force was just insane. We were thrown around on the street. Everything inside the apartment fell. Thank God we managed to get out.”
According to Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, authorities understand that some may be in despair, but they are 'acting according to protocols to provide aid to those who need it most.' The U.S. Geological Survey has warned of potential casualties ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 people, as well as possible economic losses between 10 and 100 billion dollars, representing 2 to 20% of the country's GDP. The agency has set the alert level to red.
Caracas Covered in Dust and Ruins
A tsunami warning was also issued in connection with the earthquakes. It was declared for the Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic, though it was quickly lifted for Puerto Rico within an hour. The islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire remain under tsunami threat. The last major earthquake in Venezuela's capital occurred in 1967.
In the history of earthquakes in the region, one can recall the events of February 2023, when Turkey and Syria experienced a magnitude 7.8 quake that killed over 50,000 people. The situation in Venezuela raises serious concerns, as the scale of destruction and potential casualties could become catastrophic.
These earthquakes highlight the region's vulnerability to natural disasters, especially given past incidents and their impact on the population. Venezuela's government, already facing economic difficulties, now confronts a major challenge in providing emergency assistance to victims and rebuilding infrastructure. These events could have long-term consequences for the country's social and economic stability.