Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 700, officials said. Buildings collapsed across the capital Caracas, forcing residents into the streets. The twin tremors caused widespread panic as emergency teams rushed to rescue people trapped under rubble during the night.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said the first earthquake measured magnitude 7.2, striking about 160 km west of Caracas. Less than a minute later, a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake followed. The agency warned that death toll estimates using predictive models could rise sharply, possibly reaching thousands depending on the scale of building damage and aftershocks.
What caused the twin earthquakes?
Venezuela sits on a highly active seismic zone where the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates meet. The sudden movement along fault lines triggered back-to-back earthquakes. Experts say such “doublet” quakes are rare but can occur when stress is released in rapid succession along nearby fault segments.
How severe is the destruction in Caracas?
In Caracas and nearby regions, dozens of buildings collapsed, with La Guaira state reported as the worst affected area. The city’s airport was temporarily closed after damage. Hospitals struggled as staff worked double shifts to treat the injured. Residents described scenes of panic as people ran into the streets, while rescue teams continued searching through rubble for survivors.
What rescue and global response is underway?
Authorities launched large-scale rescue operations, with international aid teams expected to arrive soon. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez thanked global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who said the United States is ready to help. A tsunami warning issued after the quakes was later canceled. Several countries, including Brazil and El Salvador, offered support and condolences.
Survivors recalled terrifying moments as buildings shook violently, with many saying it was worse than previous quakes. Venezuela, located in a high-risk seismic region, has a history of deadly earthquakes. Authorities remain focused on rescue efforts as the nation faces one of its worst disasters in years.
First published on: Jun 25, 2026 11:33 AM IST
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