At least 32 people were killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and triggering a massive rescue operation.
The twin quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck seconds apart near the country’s northern coast, sending residents fleeing into the streets as structures swayed and crumbled.
Interim President Delcy RodrÃguez declared a state of emergency on Thursday, June 25, 2026, and said the death toll could rise as emergency workers continue searching for survivors in the hardest-hit areas.
La Guaira, Miranda, Carabobo and Trujillo states suffered extensive damage, with homes, public buildings and critical infrastructure affected by the disaster.
In the capital, Caracas, rescue teams worked through piles of rubble after a multi-storey residential building collapsed in the Altamira district. Several other structures sustained varying degrees of damage.
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Authorities also closed MaiquetÃa International Airport after parts of the facility suffered significant structural damage. Gas supplies were suspended in some locations to prevent possible leaks and explosions.
More than 20 aftershocks were recorded following the initial earthquakes, prompting officials to warn residents to remain alert and avoid weakened buildings.
The tremors were felt across neighbouring Colombia, where precautionary evacuations were carried out in some areas. Emergency authorities later ruled out any tsunami threat.
Rescue and recovery efforts continued on Thursday as emergency personnel assessed the scale of the destruction and searched for those still missing beneath collapsed structures.
Officials warned that the casualty toll could increase as access improves to severely affected communities.