On Wednesday evening, Venezuela experienced two significant earthquakes. These quakes prompted panic as spectators and players fled a baseball stadium while the ground shook below them. Videos on social media captured fans rushing to safety amid the trembling stands.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the first earthquake at a magnitude of 7.1, followed closely by a second, stronger quake measuring 7.5. The epicenters were near Morón, a coastal city situated approximately 104 miles west of Caracas. The shallow depth of these earthquakes triggered intense shaking over a broad region.

According to reports, these quakes rank among the most powerful to strike Venezuela in over a century. Residents of Caracas evacuated swaying buildings, and many observed walls collapsing, exposing the interiors of homes and businesses to the streets. Dust enveloped neighborhoods, where bustling businesses and restaurants were normally found. As night fell, people stayed outside, seeking safety amid the debris.

The impact of the quakes left structural damage in Caracas. Collapsed walls and deteriorated buildings were evident. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged residents to stay outside, highlighting the threat posed by potential aftershocks.

Caracas resident Hector Ricci shared his experience, describing how the shaking intensified over time and led people to gather outside for safety. Fellow resident Roberto Damas recounted the severe shaking, which moved the building from side to side, causing considerable destruction inside his apartment.

The tremors extended beyond Venezuela, with northern regions and parts of neighboring Colombia feeling the impact. Initially, tsunami advisories were issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, authorities canceled these warnings after assessing the situation further.

Efforts to evaluate the complete scope of the damage continued into Wednesday night. Authorities noted that the overall scale of the destruction and any human toll remained unclear at that time.