'I thought I was going to die' - Venezuelans describe earthquake panic

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Venezuela on January 12, 2024, causing widespread panic and significant structural damage, particularly in the capital city of Caracas. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of chaos as buildings collapsed, trapping individuals beneath rubble. The tremors were felt across the nation, with reports of shaking in neighboring countries like Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago. Emergency services were immediately mobilized to conduct rescue operations and assess the extent of the damage. Initial reports indicate that several residential buildings and older structures in Caracas suffered severe damage, with some completely flattened. The earthquake's epicenter was located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) offshore in the Caribbean Sea, at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. This shallow depth contributed to the intensity of the shaking experienced on land. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant for aftershocks and to follow safety guidelines issued by civil protection agencies. The full impact on infrastructure and potential casualties is still being evaluated as rescue efforts continue.