From the Americas to Japan, quakes rock the Earth

The Earth experienced four significant earthquakes within a short span of time, with major seismic events reported in California, Venezuela and Japan, according to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Redwood Valley, California

The first earthquake, measuring magnitude 5.6, struck near Redwood Valley in California at 8:40:40 pm IST on June 24. The quake occurred north of the town at a relatively shallow depth of about 8.8 kilometres, making it more likely to be felt strongly by people in the area. Viral videos on social media showed cars shaking, items knocked off store shelves in the super markets in the area.

Yumare, Venezuela

Around seven hours later, northern Venezuela was struck by a powerful double earthquake sequence near Yumare. The first tremor measured magnitude 7.2 and occurred at a depth of approximately 20.3 kilometres at 3:34:33 am IST on June 25. Just 39 seconds later, a stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck the same region at a shallower depth of only 10 kilometres.

In simple terms, shallower earthquakes generally cause stronger shaking at the surface, which increases the potential for damage. Both Venezuela earthquakes were classified by USGS as major seismic events capable of causing significant impacts.

At least 32 people lost their lives while 700 were injured, as per reports.

Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced a State of Emergency after the earthquakes struck the South American nation. 

“Following the strong earthquakes recorded this afternoon in the country, we have declared a State of Emergency throughout the national territory. We call on all citizens to remain alert, safe, and as calm as possible,” Rodriguez said in a post on X.

She also announced that the Maiquetia airport has been closed due to earthquake damage. She assured that the security bodies, medical services, and civil protection teams are deployed across the country to carry out rescue and relief operations.

Kuji, Japan

Less than 25 minutes after the Venezuela earthquakes, a magnitude 6.9 marine earthquake struck offshore near Kuji, Japan, at 4:00:14 am IST on June 25. The quake occurred at a depth of about 50.9 kilometres beneath the Pacific Ocean, making it considerably deeper than the Venezuela tremors.

Some aftershocks were also felt in the nearby regions after the major quake, as per reports.

According to the USGS data, the Venezuela earthquakes recorded the strongest shaking intensity among the four events, while the California and Japan earthquakes were also powerful enough to be widely felt in their respective regions.

The sequence of four significant earthquakes occurring across different parts of the world within a single day has drawn attention because of the concentration of seismic activity over such a short period, stretching from North America to South America and East Asia.