Why were the Venezuelan earthquakes so severe?

The recent earthquakes in Venezuela caused widespread devastation, primarily due to their shallow depth, which amplifies the impact felt at the surface. Mark Allen from Durham University explained that this geological feature played a major role in the severity of the tremors. With thousands feared dead and significant infrastructure damage around Caracas, the crisis underscores the urgent need for improved seismic preparedness and response strategies in earthquake-prone regions. This situation highlights broader issues in disaster management and the importance of investment in resilient infrastructure.