Caracas, June 25: Dramatic videos circulating on social media captured the terrifying moments when two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other, sending residents rushing out of buildings and onto the streets in panic. The back-to-back tremors shook the capital city of Caracas and several other regions, causing widespread fear and significant structural damage.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Venezuela was hit by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake followed just 39 seconds later by an even stronger magnitude 7.5 quake. The epicenters were located west of Caracas along the country’s Caribbean coast near Morón and surrounding areas.
Videos shared online showed buildings swaying violently, residents screaming, and hundreds of people evacuating offices, apartment complexes, and shopping areas as the ground shook beneath them. In several clips, people could be seen gathering in open spaces while emergency sirens echoed across parts of the capital.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the tremors struck during a public holiday. “Everyone was running down the stairs,” one Caracas resident told reporters, recalling the panic that unfolded as buildings began shaking. Many residents said they feared major collapses as aftershocks continued to rattle the region.
Authorities reported that multiple buildings suffered damage, with some structures collapsing in parts of Caracas and nearby municipalities. Emergency response teams, firefighters, police personnel, and rescue workers were quickly deployed to affected areas to search for survivors and assist injured residents.
The USGS issued warnings that the powerful seismic event could result in significant casualties and extensive economic losses. Rescue operations continued through the night as officials assessed the full scale of the destruction. Hospitals in Caracas reportedly called in additional medical staff to deal with the influx of injured people.
A tsunami warning was briefly issued for parts of the Caribbean following the earthquakes but was later withdrawn. Nevertheless, authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and prepare for possible aftershocks.
The earthquakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in recent decades and have revived memories of previous deadly seismic events that affected Caracas. Officials have declared emergency measures in several regions as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
As videos of the disaster continue to spread across social media platforms, the world is closely watching developments in Venezuela while emergency teams race against time to help those trapped and displaced by the powerful earthquakes.
