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 afterwards, a stronger earthquake measuring 7.5 struck the same region. The USGS said the second tremor was centred about 16 kilometres south-west of Moron and occurred at a depth of 10 kilometres.
Following the earthquakes, the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
In Caracas, residents rushed out of swaying buildings and gathered on the streets. Many appeared shaken as they witnessed extensive damage, including collapsed walls that exposed furniture inside homes and buildings. Large clouds of dust were also seen rising from two neighbourhoods of the capital, where restaurants and businesses are usually busy.
