Venezuela Hit by the Largest Earthquake in 126 Years

Venezuela was shaken by two major earthquakes on Wednesday. The first quake was 7.2, and the second was 7.5 in magnitude. These are the most severe earthquakes recorded in the last 126 years. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) announced that the 7.5 magnitude earthquake was the most powerful to be recorded in Venezuela since 1900. USGS experts predict that the earthquake's death toll and destruction could be more devastating than the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that occurred off the coast of Venezuela on October 29, 1900. USGS Geophysicist Paul Earl stated that the magnitude of the 1900 earthquake was estimated based on historical damage reports and eyewitness accounts due to the lack of modern seismological instruments. The earthquake in Venezuela has caused significant concern in the region.