CARACAS (Realist English). Venezuela is experiencing its most powerful earthquake in over a century.
On the evening of June 24, two massive tremors of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck less than a minute apart, causing widespread destruction in the capital Caracas and surrounding regions. Preliminary reports indicate at least 32 people have died and more than 700 have been injured.
Two Tremors in One Minute
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first tremor of magnitude 7.2 occurred at 22:04 GMT (18:04 local time) in Yaracuy state, west of Caracas, at a depth of 22 km.
Just 39 seconds later, a second, more powerful 7.5‑magnitude quake followed at a depth of 10 km. The epicentres were located near the coast, close to the town of Morón.
The tremors were felt across the entire country and even in the Colombian capital Bogotá, located more than 1,000 km away. According to the USGS, this is the strongest earthquake to hit Venezuela in 125 years.
Destruction and Rescue Efforts
The disaster struck on a national holiday – Carabobo Day – when many Venezuelans were at home. The earthquakes caused the collapse of dozens of buildings in Caracas and surrounding areas. The worst damage was reported in La Guaira state, which, according to acting President Delcy Rodríguez, “faced a real tragedy and has become a disaster zone.”
In the Baruta municipality of Caracas, two buildings collapsed, killing three people. Chacao Mayor Gustavo Duque Sáez reported the complete collapse of two buildings, from which rescuers pulled 18 people alive. Power and internet outages were reported in the capital.
The main international airport, Maiquetía, has been closed, and metro and train services have been suspended.
Rescue operations are ongoing. According to Delcy Rodríguez, rescue teams from other countries are already arriving in Venezuela. The acting president has declared a state of emergency.
USGS Forecasts: Up to 100,000 Dead
The official death toll stands at 32, with more than 700 injured. However, USGS estimates place the probability of the death toll exceeding 10,000 at 44%, and 100,000 at 30%. US President Donald Trump mentioned a “devastating death toll.”
International Aid
Latin American countries have already offered assistance.
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said 300 rescue workers and 50 tonnes of equipment and medical supplies are ready to be dispatched. The Dominican Republic is sending specialised search‑and‑rescue teams.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has instructed his embassy in Caracas to assess the situation. US President Donald Trump said the United States is “ready to help” Venezuela.
