Powerful 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Venezuela’s Coast, Triggers Tsunami Advisory

Powerful 7.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Venezuela’s Coast, Triggers Tsunami Advisory A powerful magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck near the northern coast of Venezuela on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey USGS, triggering a tsunami advisory for coastal areas within about 300 kilometres 186 miles of the epicentre. The quake occurred as part of a “doublet” seismic event, with a smaller magnitude 7.2 foreshock striking seconds earlier in the same region near Venezuela’s Caribbean shoreline. Authorities and monitoring agencies issued tsunami advisories shortly after the stronger quake, warning of the possibility of hazardous waves affecting parts of the southern Caribbean, including nearby island nations and coastal communities.The advisory prompted precautionary alerts across several territories as scientists assessed whether the shallow offshore rupture could displace enough water to generate dangerous waves. Early bulletins indicated the threat was localized to regions closest to the epicentre, while broader Atlantic coastlines were not immediately considered at risk. The earthquakes caused panic along Venezuela’s northern coast and in the capital Caracas, where residents reported strong shaking and structural damage. Videos shared from affected areas showed people evacuating buildings and emergency crews responding to possible collapses. The USGS said the seismic activity was centered along a tectonically active boundary between the Caribbean and South American plates, a region known for producing powerful but infrequent earthquakes. Authorities in Venezuela and neighbouring countries began assessing damage and coordinating emergency responses as aftershocks remained a concern in the hours following the initial quake. The tsunami advisory was expected to be updated or cancelled as additional data became available from ocean monitoring stations and regional seismic networks. As rescue and assessment efforts continued, officials warned residents in coastal areas to remain alert and follow guidance from emergency agencies while the situation was being closely monitored.