Two powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, killing 235 people and injuring thousands more.
As search and rescue operations continue, we’ve compiled the latest guidance for travelling to the region.
Where was the earthquake?
The twin quakes struck the north-central region of Venezuela, just west of the capital Caracas. The epicentres of the earthquakes are reported to be near Morón, Carabobo State, but the seismic waves have caused far-reaching destruction across Venezuela’s northern coast. Caracas has reportedly suffered the most damage.
Tremors were also felt in nearby countries, including Colombia, Curaçao and Aruba; however, no major damage or injuries have been reported.
Is it safe to travel to Venezuela?
In short: no. All international airports are currently closed in Venezuela and the FCDO warns against all but essential travel to the country. The US travel advisory has not updated its advice in light of the earthquakes but retains its longstanding advice to reconsider travel.
Is it safe to travel to Aruba and other Caribbean islands?
Tsunami warnings were briefly issued in nearby Curaçao – a Dutch Caribbean island 40km off of Venezuela’s coast – and Aruba, but have since been lifted. There’s currently no official advice against travelling to the Caribbean islands.
Why is Venezuela prone to earthquakes?
Venezuela sits on the boundary of the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates, making it vulnerable to earthquakes. Caracas also sits in a ‘deep sedimentary basin’, according to Al Jazeera, which amplifies seismic waves. Many buildings in the capital are built on these sediments, making them insecure and likely to collapse in the case of an earthquake.
When was the last earthquake in Venezuela?
Venezuela is regularly struck by earthquakes, but the last one to cause damage on this scale occurred in 1967, when 300 people died in Caracas.
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