Video: 'Caracas Earthquake of 1812'

(Thursday, March 26, 1812, 4:37 p.m. local time) — An estimated 26,000 people (according to the U.S. Geological Survey) were killed today when the 1812 Caracas earthquake shook Venezuela, measuring 7.7 on the Richter magnitude scale.

The earthquake caused extensive damage in Caracas, La Guaira, Barquisimeto, San Felipe, and Mérida.

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.