How did this devastation happen? The truth is, scientists do not exactly know; however, after researchers spent weeks gathering geologic data and putting together theories, they started to form an idea of how these quakes took place. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the two earthquakes are known as a doublet because they happened nearly at the same place. In this case, the quake with the stronger magnitude of 7.5 would be the main shock, while the one with a magnitude of 7.2 would be the foreshock. However, as Brandon Bishop, a seismologist at Saint Louis University, said: “Most doublets don’t occur quite this close together in time. Delays of hours to a few days are much more common.” The reason for this peculiar phenomenon was that the first quake created seismic waves that convulsed an adjacent locked section of the fault, causing it to break, therefore creating the second quake.
The Venezuelan Earthquakes: How Did it Happen?
Imagine a normal evening spent in Yaracuy, Venezuela. Families were preparing dinner and chatting with each other when the ground suddenly gave way. At exactly 6:04 p.m. on June 24th, residents were first hit by a quake with a magnitude of 7.2. Before anyone had time to register the shock, another quake with a magnitude of 7.5 ripped through the region only half a minute later. The second strike, scientists say, released nearly three times the energy of the first one. The earthquakes left a trail of destruction in their wake: apartments were wrecked, thousands of families were left sifting through mountains of ruins, and the ground still feels unsteady.
These quakes have caused significant damage in several cities. The U.S. Geological Survey issued red PAGERs for both earthquakes, which indicates high loss of life and extensive damage are probable with the disaster being so widespread. According to UN News, the official death toll has reached at least 1,430, with more than 3,000 injured and at least 50,000 still missing.
The earthquakes were so destructive for a few reasons. Both earthquakes were shallow. This means the seismic waves lost little energy before reaching the surface. The location where the quakes struck, which is Yaracuy Valley, is filled with loose sediments that amplify shaking and can trigger disasters, such as landslides that ultimately increase the destruction. Critically, due to Venezuela’s lack of earthquake early-warning systems and ongoing political instability, the country was left vulnerable. Despite the destruction, the world did not hesitate to provide support. Rescue teams from 27 countries took action to assist in the search for survivors, with more than 2,200 rescuers and 140 search dogs.
The path to recovery remains uncertain. The U.S. Geological Survey warned that there is still a 24% chance of another magnitude 6 aftershock, and a 3% chance of another magnitude 7 quake. The path does not look bright, but perhaps what everyone needs to get past these hard times is just an ounce of hope.
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