Strong twin earthquakes triggered building collapses, infrastructure damage, rescue operations
June 25, 2026: Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction across several regions. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit near the coastal town of Morón, followed just 39 seconds later by a stronger 7.5-magnitude tremor at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. The back-to-back quakes damaged buildings, disrupted infrastructure, and triggered panic among residents as videos showed structures collapsing and dust clouds engulfing city streets.
In Caracas and surrounding areas, frightened residents rushed outdoors as buildings shook violently. Visuals circulating online showed damaged homes, shattered facades, and debris scattered across neighbourhoods. Significant damage was also reported at Simón Bolívar International Airport, where parts of the terminal were allegedly affected. Passengers were seen evacuating through smoke and dust-filled areas while emergency teams began assessing the extent of the destruction and searching for survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Authorities have launched rescue and relief operations as fears grow over the potential death toll. The USGS warned that casualties could be severe, with estimates ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez expressed condolences to affected families and announced emergency response measures. Tsunami alerts were also issued for parts of the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic, while emergency services continue efforts to locate survivors and restore essential services.