ORANJESTAD (AAN) – A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck near the ABC Islands on Wednesday evening at approximately 6:04 p.m., with its epicenter located off the coast of Venezuela. The earthquake was followed seconds later by an even stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake, causing widespread destruction in northern Venezuela.
The initial earthquake’s epicenter was approximately 270 kilometers southeast of Baby Beach in San Nicolas, Aruba, around 97 kilometers south-southeast of Willemstad, Curaçao, and 186 kilometers south-southwest of Bonaire. The tremors were felt across parts of the ABC Islands, with residents in Bonaire and some readers in San Nicolas, Aruba, reporting noticeable shaking.
The strongest damage occurred in Venezuela, where buildings collapsed in several cities, including Caracas and surrounding areas. Authorities reported significant damage to infrastructure, including parts of Simón Bolívar International Airport, while power and internet services were disrupted in several regions. Rescue operations remain underway, and casualties have been reported as emergency crews continue searching for survivors.
Authorities urged residents to remain calm and follow official instructions while emergency responders assessed the full extent of the damage.
