Overview
- Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, killing nearly 2,000 people and causing widespread building collapse that has left thousands injured and many missing.
- On the evening of June 30 the sky over Caracas turned an intense blood red and videos of the spectacle spread quickly on social media, fueling alarm and online speculation.
- Meteorologists and atmospheric scientists say Rayleigh scattering at sunset produced the red hues while a large Saharan dust plume crossing the Atlantic deepened the color.
- Experts add that fine particulate matter from collapsed buildings likely increased local scattering, and they have publicly debunked claims that the sky was caused by weapons, HAARP, or earthquake lights.
- Rescue and damage assessments continue across Venezuela, with an initial NASA satellite analysis reporting roughly 58,800 buildings affected and authorities coordinating relief for displaced residents.