Venezuela Reels from Double Earthquake Blow

A devastating one-two punch of powerful earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the capital Caracas and neighboring Colombia. The first quake, measuring 7.1 in magnitude, hit about an hour west of Valencia at a depth of 13 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey. Before residents could even process the damage, a second, even stronger earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck, its epicenter located 16 kilometers southwest of Morón. The quakes caught many Venezuelans off guard, as they were celebrating a public holiday commemorating the country's 1821 independence from Spain. Panic set in as buildings shook and residents rushed to evacuate, with many in Caracas losing power and internet services. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with fire trucks racing through the streets, buildings damaged, and debris littering the sidewalks. Maria Romero, an 80-year-old pensioner, was helped to safety by police and described the quake as 'horrible, even worse than the one in 1967.' Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged citizens to remain outside, warning of potential aftershocks and collapsed structures. He also confirmed that injuries had been reported and called on motorists to clear the way for emergency vehicles. As the country struggles to come to terms with the disaster, officials are working to activate aid and rescue efforts, with a focus on protecting the most vulnerable, including children and the elderly.