The northern region of Brazil recorded significant seismic shocks on Wednesday (24), a consequence of two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.5 and 7.2 with their epicenter off the coast of Venezuela. Several locations in the states of Amazonas, Pará, Amapá and Roraima felt the tremors, leading to the preventive evacuation of buildings by residents. The notable intensity of the tremors and the propagation of seismic waves justify the vast continental reach of the phenomenon, impacting distant areas in Brazilian territory.
In Venezuela, the epicenter of the seismic events, there were reports of building collapses in the capital, Caracas, located 168 kilometers from the city of Montalbán, where the tremor was strongest. Data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the depth of the earthquake was 13 kilometers.
Massive damage and reports of destruction in Venezuela
In Manaus, capital of Amazonas, residents of several buildings chose to leave their homes. Images released by news platforms show household objects, such as chandeliers, swaying during the tremor, as well as people quickly leaving their homes.
A video captures a resident outside her condominium, alongside neighbors who also evacuated their apartments to understand the situation. She describes the unusual movement noticed in the place.
“The neighborhood is gathered outside. We are checking the apartments; everyone is outside”, reported the resident, demonstrating the atmosphere of apprehension.
A resident of Condomínio Singolare, located on Avenida Mário Ypiranga, in the Central-South Zone of Manaus, reported that he felt the shock around 6 pm, moments after the start of the confrontation between Brazil and Scotland.
“Here at Singolare, about two minutes after the Brazilian team’s goal, we noticed that the entire Soler Tower was shaking. In the groups of residents of other towers, we noticed that more people had felt it. My wife ran out of the room, scared by the tremor. We went down immediately and informed the neighbors”, detailed the resident.
In the capital of Pará, Belém, the phenomenon was noticed by residents from different regions. Mayor Igor Normando (PSDB) used social media to communicate that the Municipal and State Civil Defense are monitoring the situation together.
“As a preventive measure, buildings in the Umarizal, Jurunas, Cremação and Pedreira neighborhoods were emptied to allow technical teams to analyze them. The main recommendation is to maintain tranquility and follow the guidelines of the competent bodies,” stated the mayor.
He added, ensuring that the municipal administration continues with continuous monitoring and implementing actions to protect the safety of citizens.
Reactions and impact of tremors in Belém during a sporting event
In the Batista Campos neighborhood, university professor Luiz Cláudio Fernandes reported that residents on the upper floors of his building felt the tremor more clearly.
“Many people noticed the shaking, especially on the higher floors, like 33. I, in the gym on the ground floor, didn’t feel it. However, those at the top noticed it; everyone ran down, and some families sought refuge in relatives’ homes”, described Fernandes.
As informed by the building manager, after an inspection carried out by teams from the Fire Department, the structure was considered safe and allowed for residents to return.
“The building is open for normal access to the apartments. No visible anomalies were found after the analysis. The firefighters authorized the return of everyone to their properties; this was the lieutenant’s instruction”, detailed the building manager.
Tremors and security inspections in Santarém
Santarém, located approximately a thousand kilometers from the capital Belém, also registered the perception of tremors. In the city, several buildings were evacuated as a safety measure.
The Military Fire Department was mobilized to respond to calls in at least four buildings. The teams conducted comprehensive inspections, inspecting both elevators and building structures.
Firefighters reported that some cracks were noticed, however, they were considered characteristic of buildings of this size and without immediate structural risk. Once preliminary assessments were completed, residents were authorized to return to their apartments.
In the capital of Amapá, Macapá, at least three buildings were evacuated, and the Fire Department was called to check the situation.
Evacuations and absence of injuries in Amapá
The Fire Department reported that, to date, no significant structural damage has been found and no injuries have been reported.
“We were at the barracks when we received the calls. Those who called reported that they felt the building sway. Reports also arrived that the tremor was noticed in Pará and Manaus. Now, we will wait for more information”, declared Lieutenant Clenio Vasconcelos Silva.
In Laranjal do Jari, a municipality located in the south of Amapá, resident Willian Júnior described feeling his house shake while watching the Brazilian team’s match.
Building in the center of Macapá is evacuated
“I was in the living room with my brother and noticed the house shaking. I went to look and didn’t find anyone. When I left, I saw the bridge’s power cables oscillating intensely”, narrated Willian Júnior.
In Cutias do Araguari, a video captured the water of a swimming pool in agitation, even without the presence of people. Residents said the tremor persisted for a few minutes, generating fear.
A 23-story building in the center of Macapá was evacuated. Residents who were watching the team’s match waited on the sidewalk while the Fire Department carried out the necessary inspection.
Details of the strong tremors in Venezuela and their impacts
Two strong earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.5 and 7.2, hit the coast of Venezuela in the early evening of Wednesday (24). The tremors were widely felt in Caracas and caused significant damage in the Venezuelan capital.
According to Reuters reports, residents of Caracas left their buildings in a hurry as the earthquakes shook the structures. One person interviewed reported the appearance of cracks on the facade of his building.
Rescue operations in Caracas after building collapse
The occurrence of the earthquakes coincided with a Venezuelan national holiday, which celebrates an 1821 military victory, crucial to the country’s independence from Spain. Many citizens were in their homes during the tremors.
At the same time, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake was also recorded on the island of Honshu, Japan. Initially, tsunami warnings were issued for Puerto Rico, Aruba, the US Virgin Islands and other Caribbean locations, but were subsequently cancelled.