Two major earthquakes hit Venezuela, causing tsunami warnings for Puerto Rico coasts

Two major earthquakes rocked Venezuela on Wednesday night, triggering tsunami warnings for the coastal areas of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, according to the U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The first earthquake was a foreshock that was Magnitude 7.2, followed by the main larger quake less than a minute later, which had a magnitude of 7.5, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The agency said a widespread disaster, including many casualties and extensive damage, is likely based on data from the quakes and the type of structures common in the area.

The tsunami advisory said the coastal areas of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands are most at risk, but a tsunami could also hit the coasts of Venezuela, Curacao and Aruba, according to the New York Times. The advisory was later lifted. 

The number of fatalities and injuries from the earthquake have not yet been reported, but multiple buildings have collapsed in Venezuela's capital city, Caracas. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged the public to remain calm and evacuate damaged buildings.

“We are calling on the public to leave their homes and buildings, as several structures sustained damage during the initial earthquake,” Cabello said. “Subsequent aftershocks will exploit those structural weaknesses.”

Cabello also urged Venezuelan motorists to give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles, indicating there were injuries that have yet to be publicly reported, according to the Associated Press.

“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” Cabello said. “Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.