Two Massive Earthquakes Rock Venezuela, Indonesian Citizens Safe

Earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude have rocked Venezuela, according to a report from the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The first quake occurred at 18:04 local time, centred near the city of San Felipe, approximately 280 kilometres west of the capital, Caracas. The USGS reported a stronger aftershock shortly after the first quake, with a magnitude of 7.5. The epicentre of the second quake was near the Yumare area, slightly north of the first. The scale of the damage is not yet known. However, reports from residents and photographs sent from Caracas and La Guaira show several collapsed buildings. The USGS said there is a 44 per cent probability that the death toll could exceed 10,000. “The disaster is likely widespread,” the USGS stated, adding that strong aftershocks could occur. There is also a risk of landslides and soil liquefaction. Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed in a statement on state television that several houses and buildings collapsed due to the quake. He added that “all security and aid agencies, civil protection, volunteers, firefighters, and police” have been deployed. Cabello urged all Venezuelans in affected areas to leave buildings. Videos circulating on social media showed dozens of people screaming and running inside Maiquetia International Airport as significant damage occurred. “The Indonesian Embassy building in Caracas and the Ambassador’s residence did not suffer significant structural damage and all staff are safe,” said Heni Hamidah, Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indonesian Embassy in Caracas has conducted rapid coordination and communication following the quake. Emergency communication lines have been opened to monitor the situation and ensure the condition of Indonesian citizens is updated regularly. Natural gas services supplying thousands of homes in Venezuelan cities have been halted as a precautionary measure to avoid “any type of accident”, Minister Cabello said. Electricity and internet services were cut off in some parts of the city after the quake. The earthquake occurred on a public holiday in Venezuela, meaning more people were at home than on a typical working day. 24 June marks the anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo in 1821. Journalist and BBC Mundo contributor Nicole Koster felt the quake on the 7th floor of her apartment in central Caracas. “This is the strongest earthquake I have ever felt in my life,” she said. “I saw the large windows moving. The only thing I could think of was to stand between the doorway and a stone wall, which I thought was strong enough, to protect myself. The shaking was so strong I thought the building would collapse on me.” She added that she could hear people calling for help from the rubble of a building. Another resident in central Caracas, Maria Elise, said: “Some walls in our apartment cracked. There are fallen electricity poles, we have no power, no signal.” An 80-year-old woman living in southern Caracas told Reuters: “My building was swaying. The police helped me get down because I couldn’t.” The USGS warned that aftershocks could occur.