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Magnitude 7.1 Earthquake Strikes Venezuela Near Caracas
A magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Venezuela on June 24 at 18:04 local time. Buildings collapsed in Caracas and tsunami threats were issued for several areas. The shaking was also felt in Bogotá.
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A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Venezuela on June 24 at 18:04 local time. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the event with its epicenter 17 miles northwest of Montalbán and about 104 miles west of Caracas at a depth of 13 kilometers.
Two strong quakes occurred minutes apart in the same coastal area. Buildings collapsed in Caracas, including a Bancaribe structure in the Altamira neighborhood. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated on state television that the quake could be felt in several states and described “alarming situations” with collapsed homes and buildings.
He urged people to remain outside because of possible aftershocks. Rescuers searched rubble in the capital while residents stayed on streets after evacuating swaying structures. Dust rose from damaged neighborhoods where restaurants and businesses normally operate.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning System issued tsunami threats for Venezuela, Aruba and Bonaire, along with advisory threats for Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands. Residents in Bogotá, Colombia, also felt the shaking and some buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
