Caracas:Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes of each other, causing damage in several areas, triggering tsunami alerts and forcing people to flee buildings in the capital, Caracas. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake measured 7.1 in magnitude. Its epicentre was located off the Caribbean coast, west of the town of Moron, around 168 kilometres west of Caracas. The quake occurred at a depth of 13 kilometres.
Shortly thereafter, the same region was hit by a more powerful earthquake measuring 7.5. The second tremor, at a depth of 10 kilometers, was centered about 16 kilometers southwest of Moron, the USGS said.
The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands after the.
In Caracas, people spilled out of swaying buildings into the streets. The widespread destruction, including walls that had collapsed and exposed furniture inside homes and buildings, seemed to shake many people. They also saw thick plumes of dust rising from two neighborhoods of the capital where restaurants and businesses would normally be bustling.
This was the most powerful earthquake the country had seen in a century. Rescue teams are carrying out a massive operation to find and rescue victims of a collapsed structure.
Fears are growing that the quake may have caused heavy casualties but no official figures have been released by authorities. The tremor happened on a public holiday in the country, when many people were home taking part in activities to mark the anniversary of a decisive military victory in 1821 that resulted in Venezuela’s independence from Spain.
Interior Minister Cabello asks people to stay outdoorsInterior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the tremors were felt in various Venezuelan states. Altamira district of Caracas had been badly hit and a number of homes and buildings had collapsed, he said.
He told people to remain outdoors as aftershocks could cause more buildings to collapse.
Cabello said some people may have been injured in the tragedy and appealed to drivers to keep roads clear for ambulances and emergency response teams.
“We understand there are people that are desperate but we are acting under protocols to activate help and rescue efforts for those most in need,” Cabello said on state television. "Be very careful with children and the elderly. Call each other and make sure no one was hurt.