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Two powerful earthquakes struck Japan and Venezuela on Thursday, causing widespread concern, disrupting transport services and prompting authorities to assess potential damage and casualties.
In Japan, a preliminary magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off the Pacific coast of Iwate Prefecture at around 7:30 AM local time.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said the 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck at a depth of 50 kilometres and shook large parts of northeastern Japan.
Authorities confirmed that the quake did not trigger a tsunami threat.
The tremor recorded an upper 6 on Japan’s seven-point seismic intensity scale in parts of Aomori Prefecture, including Hashikami.
Residents also felt strong shaking across Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima, Hokkaido and even Tokyo.
Officials said the intensity of the quake made it difficult for people to stand, while unsecured furniture and objects shifted or toppled.
As a safety measure, East Japan Railway temporarily suspended services on sections of the Tohoku Shinkansen line for inspections.
Rail operations resumed gradually after authorities confirmed track safety.
Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes within the span of a minute, heightening fears of widespread destruction.
The US Geological Survey reported that a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck near the coastal town of Moron, approximately 160 kilometres west of Caracas, followed shortly by a stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor.
Both earthquakes occurred at a shallow depth of around 10 kilometres, increasing the likelihood of severe ground shaking.
Initial reports indicated that several buildings collapsed in parts of Caracas, while emergency teams began assessing the extent of the damage.
The USGS warned that the twin earthquakes could result in significant casualties and extensive structural destruction.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as rescue and assessment efforts remain underway in affected areas.
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