Experts say three recent powerful earthquakes are not related

Experts have stated that three powerful earthquakes occurring within an eight-hour span on Wednesday were not related. A 5.6-magnitude quake struck northern California, followed by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Japan, and two significant tremors in Venezuela. While all events occurred along known, high-hazard plate boundaries, their geographical distance makes a causal link highly improbable, according to USGS and UCLA experts. They noted that while large earthquakes can trigger nearby tremors, as seen with the two Venezuelan quakes due to their proximity, such a cascade effect across vast distances is unprecedented. The article highlights that earthquakes are common globally, and Wednesday was an unusual day for several significant quakes to be felt by populated areas.

Venezuela was hit by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday, with the US Geological Survey stating that high casualties and extensive damage are "probable." The first, a magnitude 7.2 quake, struck near San Felipe, followed almost immediately by a magnitude 7.5 quake near Yumare. Both epicenters were west of the capital, Caracas. Buildings were leveled in Caracas, and footage showed falling debris and people fleeing for safety at Simón Bolívar International Airport. One resident described the experience as "horrible."