USGS Registers Two Powerful Earthquakes in Venezuela Within 39 Seconds

ORANJESTAD/CARACAS — Venezuela was struck on Wednesday evening by not one, but two separate powerful earthquakes. Current data from the United States Geological Survey indicate that the two seismic events occurred only 39 seconds apart. The first had a preliminary magnitude of 7.2 and was followed by a stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake.

The first earthquake was recorded at 6:04:33 p.m. Aruba time, approximately 24 kilometres east-northeast of San Felipe. Its calculated depth was 21.9 kilometres.

The second earthquake followed at 6:05:12 p.m., with an epicentre approximately 23 kilometres southeast of Yumare. According to the USGS, this earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres.

Because the two events had separate times, epicentres, depths and magnitude measurements, the data do not represent merely a later revision of a single earthquake. International seismic records indicate that they were two distinct events.

Magnitude of first earthquake remains preliminary

There is still a limited discrepancy among the consulted sources regarding the precise magnitude of the first earthquake. Associated Press reported a magnitude of 7.1, while Reuters and later USGS records listed it as magnitude 7.2.

Such differences may occur shortly after an earthquake because automatic measurements are reassessed using data from additional seismic stations. The magnitude, depth and precise location may therefore still be adjusted.

There is greater agreement regarding the second and strongest earthquake. The consulted sources identify it as a magnitude 7.5 event at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres.

Seismic doublet

Two powerful earthquakes occurring in the same region within a very short period may be described as a seismic doublet. In this case, some sources have described the first event as a foreshock and the second as the main shock.

The brief interval between the two earthquakes may explain why many residents experienced them as one prolonged or increasingly powerful event. Android devices using the Android Earthquake Alerts System may initially have displayed a single general warning, while subsequent seismic analysis identified two separate earthquakes.

Buildings damaged and emergency services deployed

The earthquakes caused substantial damage in Caracas and other parts of Venezuela. International news agencies reported collapsed buildings and walls, damaged façades, shattered windows and temporary disruptions to electricity and internet services.

Venezuela’s interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, stated on state television that homes and other buildings had collapsed. Firefighters, police officers and other emergency personnel were deployed for rescue and relief operations.

Video footage shows emergency workers and bystanders near damaged and collapsed structures. However, not all images and videos circulating through social media and private messaging platforms have been independently verified. The location, recording time and original source must therefore be checked for each individual recording.

At the time of publication, no complete and officially confirmed overview of the number of deaths, injuries or missing persons was available. Preliminary estimates should not be reported as established casualty figures.

No tsunami warning for Aruba

Following the earthquakes, authorities temporarily assessed whether dangerous tsunami waves could affect parts of the Caribbean. Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire were among the areas included in the initial assessment.

The Aruba Meteorological Department later reported that no tsunami warning was in effect for Aruba. The United States tsunami warning system also withdrew its earlier regional threat notice.

At the time of publication, no officially confirmed damage or casualties had been reported in Aruba in connection with the earthquakes.

Warning over aftershocks

Venezuelan authorities have warned residents to remain prepared for aftershocks. Buildings that sustained structural damage during the two major earthquakes could be further weakened or collapse during subsequent tremors.

The available data therefore confirm that Venezuela was struck by two separate powerful earthquakes on Wednesday evening: an initial event with a preliminary magnitude of between 7.1 and 7.2, followed only 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake.