A powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, during the night of June 25, 2026. Just 40 seconds later, a second earthquake measuring 7.5 struck the Yumare region. Authorities have reported at least 32 deaths and more than 700 injuries.
Venezuela’s transitional president, Delcy Rodríguez, addressed the nation on state television, confirming that 32 people had been killed after buildings collapsed and that more than 700 others had been injured.
“We have seen buildings crumble, and we are deploying every possible resource to save as many lives as we can,” she said. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy, and we extend our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones. We stand with them during these difficult times.”
Rodríguez added that international rescue teams were expected to arrive soon and thanked Donald Trump for offering assistance to the country.
The first earthquake, measuring 7.2, was centered approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas. Images circulating on social media showed extensive damage at Simón Bolívar International Airport, where parts of the airport infrastructure reportedly suffered significant destruction.
Following the twin earthquakes, the United States Geological Survey warned that the death toll could rise dramatically, potentially reaching as many as 10,000 people, as search-and-rescue operations continue and many individuals remain unaccounted for beneath collapsed structures.
Emergency services have been deployed across the affected regions, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of injured residents. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid damaged buildings and remain alert for aftershocks, which often follow major seismic events and can cause additional destruction.
Venezuela lies in a seismically active zone where the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates interact, making earthquakes a recurring threat. The country has experienced several devastating earthquakes throughout its history. In 1812, an earthquake struck the cities of Mérida and Caracas, killing an estimated 30,000 people. Another major earthquake hit Caracas in 1967, destroying numerous buildings and claiming about 240 lives.
Experts warn that the full extent of the damage from the latest disaster may not be known for several days as rescue crews continue searching through the rubble and authorities assess the impact on critical infrastructure across the country.
