CARACAS, Venezuela—Back-to-back powerful earthquakes struck western Venezuela on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings in Caracas with thousands feared dead.
The U.S. Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 7.2 earthquake at 6:04 p.m. local time (22:04 UTC), followed 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 quake. The epicenters were in Veroes municipality, Yaracuy state, near Morón along the Caribbean coast, approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Caracas. The first quake struck at a depth of about 22 kilometers; the second at about 10 kilometers.
Video images posted to X show dozens of buildings collapsed or heavily damaged in Caracas, particularly in the Altamira and Los Palos Grandes neighborhoods, as well as in Chacao and La Guaira. Simón Bolívar International Airport (Maiquetía) sustained damage, leading to flight cancellations and its temporary closure. Shaking was felt across multiple states, including Carabobo, Aragua, Miranda, and La Guaira, and extended to parts of neighboring Colombia and northern Brazil.
Many people are likely buried under rubble after the powerful double earthquakes in Venezuela.
International help and quick arrival of numerous search teams is desperately needed. pic.twitter.com/QIhlUDdD24— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) June 25, 2026
USGS models estimated thousands of people may have died from the earthquakes, but exact figures remained unclear in the immediate aftermath. Rescue teams are searching through rubble for trapped survivors.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, ordered the airport closed, and canceled classes in affected areas. Hospitals increased staffing. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the quakes affected several states and described “alarming situations” with collapsed homes and buildings in Caracas.
“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” Cabello said on state television. “Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed.” He urged residents to remain outside due to aftershocks.
A brief tsunami advisory for parts of the Caribbean was issued and later rescinded. Aftershocks continue and the situation remains fluid.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that thousands could have lost their lives or been severely injured in tonight’s double earthquakes in Venezuela.
The first quake had a magnitude of 7.1 and was swiftly followed by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake. pic.twitter.com/kEg9ZCjFMe
Author: Mario Lotmore
