The U.S. Geological Survey has reported a 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck Venezuela on Wednesday. This earthquake is the largest to affect the country or its nearby waters since the 1900 San Narciso Earthquake.

In 1900, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake shook Caracas, causing significant destruction. Reports indicate that this quake led to 21 deaths and 50 injuries. Churches, homes, and public structures fell or sustained damage.

The New York Times documented the aftermath weeks later, noting that 300 buildings collapsed, and many citizens were forced to live in tents. The university’s tower and several church spires fell, and government buildings suffered damage.

Experts at the U.S. Geological Survey suspect Wednesday’s quake could have a higher death toll than the 1900 disaster, but the full impact remains unclear. The earthquake followed a 7.2-magnitude foreshock, which preceded the main 7.5-magnitude shock.

Earthquakes often result from stress changes in the earth’s crust. William Barnhart, a geophysicist from the U.S. Geological Survey, explained that such stress alterations likely triggered the dual events in Venezuela.

Venezuela is strategically positioned between the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates, making it susceptible to seismic activity. In recent history, the nation experienced a 7.3-magnitude quake on August 21, 2018, and a 7.0-magnitude quake on July 9, 1997.

Reporter Amy Graff covers weather, wildfires, and earthquakes for The Times.