CARACAS, Venezuela/ New Delhi: At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday evening, June 24, 2026, damaging buildings, disrupting essential services and triggering large-scale rescue operations across affected regions.
The earthquakes struck within moments of each other on Wednesday evening, with the first tremor measuring magnitude 7.2 followed by a stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The epicenters were reported near Venezuela’s northern Caribbean coast, west of Caracas.
The strongest impact was reported in areas near the capital, Caracas, and the coastal state of La Guaira, where officials said several buildings collapsed. Emergency teams were deployed to search through rubble, rescue trapped residents and provide medical assistance to those injured.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and urged residents to remain cautious as aftershocks continued. Authorities warned people to stay away from damaged structures due to the risk of further collapses.
The earthquakes caused panic across Caracas, where residents rushed outside as buildings shook. Power outages, communication disruptions and transport interruptions were reported in some areas. Venezuela’s main international airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport, was also affected by the disaster, according to officials.
Rescue operations are continuing as authorities assess the full extent of the damage. Officials said casualty figures could change as emergency teams reach more affected communities and search operations progress.
Several countries have offered assistance, including humanitarian aid, rescue support and medical resources. International agencies are also monitoring the situation as Venezuela begins recovery efforts following one of its most serious seismic events in recent years.
Share this content: