Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09CARACAS1198
2009-09-14 20:55:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Caracas
Cable title:
EARTHQUAKE STRIKES VENEZUELA, BUT CHAVEZ DOESN'T
how-toVZCZCXRO5347 PP RUEHAO RUEHCD RUEHGA RUEHGD RUEHHA RUEHHO RUEHMC RUEHMT RUEHNG RUEHNL RUEHQU RUEHRD RUEHRG RUEHRS RUEHTM RUEHVC DE RUEHCV #1198 2572055 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 142055Z SEP 09 FM AMEMBASSY CARACAS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3696 INFO RUEHWH/WESTERN HEMISPHERIC AFFAIRS DIPL POSTS RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUMIAAA/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY
C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 001198
SIPDIS
HQ SOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
TREASURY FOR MKACZMAREK
NSC FOR DRESTREPO
NSC FOR LROSSELLO
USDOC FOR 4332 MAC/ITA/WH/JLAO
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/14/2019
TAGS: ECON EFIN EIND EINV EMIN ENRG EPET VE
SUBJECT: EARTHQUAKE STRIKES VENEZUELA, BUT CHAVEZ DOESN'T
JUMP
Classified By: Economic Counselor Darnall Steuart for reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 001198
SIPDIS
HQ SOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
TREASURY FOR MKACZMAREK
NSC FOR DRESTREPO
NSC FOR LROSSELLO
USDOC FOR 4332 MAC/ITA/WH/JLAO
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/14/2019
TAGS: ECON EFIN EIND EINV EMIN ENRG EPET VE
SUBJECT: EARTHQUAKE STRIKES VENEZUELA, BUT CHAVEZ DOESN'T
JUMP
Classified By: Economic Counselor Darnall Steuart for reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d).
1. (U) On September 12, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck
the coast of Venezuela at approximately 3:36 PM local time,
according to the Venezuelan Seismological Foundation
(FUNVISI). FUNVISI reported that the earthquake's epicenter
was 100 kilometers west of Caracas, off the coast of Carabobo
state. Francisco Garces, President of FUNVISI, told
reporters that geologists expect additional earthquakes in
the coming weeks as tectonic plates continue to adjust.
2. (U) Press reports indicate that the most extensive
damage occurred in Falcon state. At a press conference on
September 13, the National Director of Civil Protection, Luis
Diaz Curbelo, said that 15 people were injured in Falcon,
including one girl who jumped from her balcony. Interior
Minister Tarek El Aissami told the press that the quake
damaged 17 houses and two buildings there. Curbelo said
FUNVISI planned to inspect the safety of buildings affected
by the quake.
3. (U) Curbelo said no injuries had been reported in
Caracas, although the earthquake damaged the dome of the
National Pantheon. However, heavy rains in the capital on
the same day dumped 45 to 60 liters of water per square meter
on the city, according to newspaper reports, with flooding
blocking off several neighborhoods and leaving some residents
without water or electricity.
4. (U) During his Sunday "Hello, President" television and
radio program, President Hugo Chavez acknowledged the
strength of the earthquake and asked for God's continued
assistance. "I didn't jump from the balcony, but it moved
everything; the wood on the floor creaked," he said.
DUDDY
SIPDIS
HQ SOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
TREASURY FOR MKACZMAREK
NSC FOR DRESTREPO
NSC FOR LROSSELLO
USDOC FOR 4332 MAC/ITA/WH/JLAO
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/14/2019
TAGS: ECON EFIN EIND EINV EMIN ENRG EPET VE
SUBJECT: EARTHQUAKE STRIKES VENEZUELA, BUT CHAVEZ DOESN'T
JUMP
Classified By: Economic Counselor Darnall Steuart for reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d).
1. (U) On September 12, a 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck
the coast of Venezuela at approximately 3:36 PM local time,
according to the Venezuelan Seismological Foundation
(FUNVISI). FUNVISI reported that the earthquake's epicenter
was 100 kilometers west of Caracas, off the coast of Carabobo
state. Francisco Garces, President of FUNVISI, told
reporters that geologists expect additional earthquakes in
the coming weeks as tectonic plates continue to adjust.
2. (U) Press reports indicate that the most extensive
damage occurred in Falcon state. At a press conference on
September 13, the National Director of Civil Protection, Luis
Diaz Curbelo, said that 15 people were injured in Falcon,
including one girl who jumped from her balcony. Interior
Minister Tarek El Aissami told the press that the quake
damaged 17 houses and two buildings there. Curbelo said
FUNVISI planned to inspect the safety of buildings affected
by the quake.
3. (U) Curbelo said no injuries had been reported in
Caracas, although the earthquake damaged the dome of the
National Pantheon. However, heavy rains in the capital on
the same day dumped 45 to 60 liters of water per square meter
on the city, according to newspaper reports, with flooding
blocking off several neighborhoods and leaving some residents
without water or electricity.
4. (U) During his Sunday "Hello, President" television and
radio program, President Hugo Chavez acknowledged the
strength of the earthquake and asked for God's continued
assistance. "I didn't jump from the balcony, but it moved
everything; the wood on the floor creaked," he said.
DUDDY