Two powerful earthquakes struck the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing damage to buildings in the capital, Caracas, and triggering a temporary tsunami advisory.

The seismic activity began around 5:30 PM local time, with the first quake registering a magnitude of 6.4. This was followed minutes later by a second, stronger tremor of magnitude 6.7. The epicenters were located off the northern coast, near the Paraguaná Peninsula.

Residents in Caracas reported feeling intense shaking that lasted for an extended period, with some describing the experience as terrifying. One American tourist in the capital recounted, "The floor under me was shaking." Reports from coastal areas indicated structural damage to some buildings, though the full extent of the destruction is still being assessed.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the quakes, which were felt across much of northern Venezuela and even in parts of Colombia and Trinidad and Tobago. The tremors caused widespread alarm among the population.

Following the initial quakes, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami advisory for coastal areas near the epicenter. However, this was later canceled as the immediate threat subsided. Officials are urging caution and advising residents to be aware of potential aftershocks.

Venezuela's Civil Protection and Disaster Management agency stated that emergency services have been deployed to assess damage and provide assistance to affected areas. The country's infrastructure, already strained, faces additional challenges in responding to such natural disasters.

This event highlights the seismic vulnerability of the region. Geologists have long warned about the potential for significant earthquakes along the Caribbean plate boundary, which runs along Venezuela's northern coast.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and provide updates on any further seismic activity or damage assessments. The focus remains on ensuring public safety and coordinating relief efforts.