Trifecta of major earthquakes hit Venezuela and Japan, damage reported
7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes that struck near the Venezuela coast on Wednesday triggered a tsunami advisory, which has since been cancelled, for Puerto Rico and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Significant damage to buildings has been reported
Two significant earthquakes, registering at 7.5 and 7.2 magnitudes, struck near the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon local time, reportedly causing significant, structural damage and prompting a short-lived tsunami advisory.
The epicentres of the quakes were 24 kilometres east-northeast of San Felipe, Venezuela (7.2 magnitude), and 16 kilometres southwest of Morón, Venezuela (7.5 magnitude), according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake prompted a brief tsunami advisory for Puerto Rico, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
However, the advisory has since been lifted.
There have been reports of significant damage to buildings in Caraca. According to Reuters, buildings were brought down in the capital, but authorities did not immediately report any casualties.
One witness in Caraca said cracks had formed up the side of their apartment and glass in the entryway had shattered, Reuters reported.
The news agency said video footage showed emergency workers climbing into the ruins of one collapsed building in the capital as night began to fall.
Affected regions that may have felt shaking from the earthquake include Colombia, Venezuela, Caribbean Netherlands, Curaçao, and Aruba, according to USGS.
Japan hit by 6.9-magnitude tremor
Meanwhile, approximately 30 minutes after the second Venezula tremor, a major, 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck 35 kilometres east-northeast of Kuji, Japan, according to the USGS.
The quake registered at a depth of 51.7 kilometres, with strong shaking felt in nearby communities.
There is no tsunami threat associated with the Japan event.
With files from Reuters.