1812 Caracas earthquake
The 1812 Caracas earthquake took place in Venezuela on March 26 (on Maundy Thursday) at 4:37 p.m. It measured 7.7 on the Richter magnitude scale. It caused extensive damage in Caracas, La Guaira, Barquisimeto, San Felipe, and Mérida. An estimated 15,000–20,000 people perished as a result, in addition to incalculable material damage.
"Terremoto de 1812", painting by Tito Salas | |
| Local date | March 26, 1812 |
|---|---|
| Local time | 16:37 |
| Magnitude | 7.7 M |
| Depth | 33 km (21 mi) |
| Epicenter | 10.6°N 66.9°W |
| Max. intensity | MMI X (Extreme) |
| Casualties | 15,000–20,000 fatalities |
The seismic movement was so significant that in a zone named Valecillo, a new lake was formed and the river Yurubí was dammed up. Numerous rivulets changed their course in the Caracas valley, which was flooded with dirty water.
Based on contemporary descriptions, the earthquake is believed to have consisted of two seismic shocks occurring within the span of 30 minutes. The first destroyed Caracas and the second Mérida, where it was raining when the shock occurred.