Three powerful earthquakes struck California, Japan, and Venezuela within hours on Wednesday, sparking online speculation about a possible connection. However, experts from the US Geological Survey and UCLA confirm the events are unrelated, attributing the timing to coincidence.
California Earthquake
A 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit a rural area of northern California on Wednesday, causing minor damage. The Redwood Valley Market owner Alex Chehada reported visible damage to his store. The tremor was felt across the region but resulted in no fatalities.
Japan Earthquake
Hours later, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the northern coast of Japan. In Hachinohe, Aomori prefecture, a building wall was damaged, as shown in a photograph by KYODO/Reuters. No tsunami warning was issued, and injuries were limited.
Venezuela Earthquakes
Two powerful earthquakes—a 7.1-magnitude followed by a 7.5-magnitude—rocked Venezuela, causing widespread devastation. At least 188 people have been confirmed dead, according to reports. A man was photographed amid rubble in La Guaira. The second quake likely triggered the first due to their proximity, said Martin Hudson, adjunct professor of civil and environmental engineering at UCLA.
Expert Analysis
William Barnhart, assistant coordinator for the US Geological Survey’s earthquake hazards program, stated: “Earthquakes happen every day all over the world. Most of them happen far from people. Yesterday was just a very peculiar day where you had a couple of fairly significant earthquakes happen in areas where people felt them.” Hudson added: “If you look at the last 100 years of earthquakes, we’ve never seen earthquakes this far apart be related.”
