earthquake strikes Japan and Venezuela Wednesday afternoon. A very strong earthquake occurred in Venezuela, with a magnitude of about 7.1 on the Richter scale. According to the U.S. Geological Survey Prompted tsunami warn in the Caribbean, the U.S. Tsunami Center said.
The National Weather Service’s Tsunami Warning Center said Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are at risk from a tsunami due to the earthquake in Venezuela. As of now, no tsunami threat has been declared for the U.S. coast.
“Based on all available data, sea level fluctuations and strong ocean currents pose a tsunami threat to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with the potential for harm to shores, beaches, ports, and coastal waters,” the report said.
Venezuela “No tsunami, no danger from recent earthquakes. Scientists on duty analyze the event” NWS Tsunami Warning writes on X. It was confirmed to be a magnitude 7.1 earthquake. Similar alerts A 6.9 magnitude earthquake occurred in Japan.
More information about earthquakes
The U.S. Geological Survey says Venezuela has experienced two powerful earthquakes. The epicenter of the first earthquake, No. 23, was located about 14.3 miles southeast of the town of Yumare. Officials classified the earthquake as a magnitude 7.5 earthquake.
The second earthquake was located about 14 miles northeast of San Felipe.
The Japan earthquake had a magnitude of 6.9 and was located approximately 21.7 miles northeast of Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
Venezuela reports heavy losses
Initial reports from Venezuela indicate severe damage around Caracas. Locals shared videos showing the structure collapsing. This video from Caracas shows an earthquake causing the ground to shake and a multi-story building to collapse.
Here is the video:
The Venezuelan earthquake was a “dual event,” according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The 7.1-magnitude earthquake was a pre-shock, followed by a larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake.
Here’s another video showing structural collapse in Venezuela after an earthquake.
A massive emergency response is underway. It was unclear if anyone was injured.
This is a development story.
