Two powerful earthquakes struck near the coastal city of Morón, Venezuela, on Wednesday evening. The U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 7.1 tremor, followed less than a minute later by a stronger 7.5 quake. Both were shallow, magnifying shaking across a wide region.
At a baseball stadium, video captured fans and players fleeing as the ground shook violently. In Caracas, 104 miles east, buildings swayed, walls collapsed, and residents poured into the streets. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged people to remain outdoors, warning of aftershocks.
Authorities reported structural damage in parts of Caracas, including collapsed walls. Residents described the force as incredibly strong, tossing people around. Tsunami advisories were briefly issued for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, then canceled. The full extent of damage was still being assessed.