Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday evening, causing widespread panic, damaging infrastructure, and prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency. The twin tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, hit just 39 seconds apart, making them among the strongest earthquakes to impact the South American nation in more than a century.
The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.2, struck at 2204 GMT and was centered approximately 21 kilometers west of the coastal town of Moron. Just 39 seconds later, a second and even stronger 7.5-magnitude quake hit around 45 kilometers away, intensifying the devastation and triggering widespread fear across the country.
Severe disruptions and damage has now been reported at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Venezuela, following a 7.5 magnitude earthquake. pic.twitter.com/sy466aWmXz
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 24, 2026
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the two earthquakes occurred at relatively shallow depths of 21.9 kilometers and 10 kilometers, increasing their impact on populated areas. More than 20 aftershocks were recorded in the hours following the disaster.
Panic Grips Caracas as Buildings Shake and Collapse
Passengers panic and run for cover at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, Venezuela, as the terminal shakes and power flickers, resulting from a massive 7.5 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Caracas. pic.twitter.com/uWN4ZqFjOZ
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 24, 2026
The tremors were felt across large parts of Venezuela, particularly in the capital city of Caracas, where residents rushed out of homes, offices, and commercial buildings as structures shook violently.
Utter devastation seen across the Northern Venezuelan coastal city of La Guaira, following tonight’s pair of major earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude with an epicenter just to the west of Caracas. pic.twitter.com/BQv4YixUiB
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 25, 2026
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as walls cracked, staircases collapsed, and debris fell from ceilings.
“The stairs came away, the whole wall cracked. Things fell from the ceiling. It was horrible,” 54-year-old bank employee Odalis Escalona told AFP from Caracas.
Videos circulating on social media showed buildings swaying, furniture moving across floors, and dust clouds filling the air as people attempted to escape to safety.
More buildings seen severely damaged in Caracas, Venezuela following a 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck to the west of the capital. pic.twitter.com/gkNPF3Gxdr
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 24, 2026
Major Damage Reported at Venezuela’s Main International Airport
Footage seen from inside a building as the 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck in Venezuela. Severe damage has been reported across Northern Venezuela, as numerous reports of injuries have also been reported. pic.twitter.com/E2IohOsJAU
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 24, 2026
One of the most dramatic scenes emerged from Simon Bolivar International Airport, Venezuela’s busiest aviation hub, where parts of the roof reportedly collapsed during the earthquake.
Footage from the airport showed passengers running through terminals carrying luggage as power flickered and thick clouds of dust spread through the building. Some travelers were seen taking cover beneath counters and inside shops while emergency teams assessed the damage.
The Venezuelan presidency later announced the closure of the airport, citing serious structural damage caused by the earthquakes.
Coastal Cities Witness Destruction
In the coastal city of La Guaira, videos captured deserted roads, damaged buildings, and dust-filled streets in the aftermath of the twin quakes.
Mi corazón, mi abrazo infinito y mis oraciones están con cada hogar venezolano en estas horas de angustia.
— María Corina Machado (@MariaCorinaYA) June 24, 2026
Que la fortaleza, la serenidad y la solidaridad prevalezcan entre nosotros ante este difícil momento.
Que Dios proteja a cada venezolano, a nuestras familias y a…
Additional footage from Caracas showed large piles of rubble where residential buildings once stood. Personal belongings, clothing, and household items were visible among the debris, highlighting the scale of destruction faced by residents.
In one widely shared video, a man was seen carrying two dogs to safety as he evacuated a damaged building, a moment that resonated with many amid the unfolding tragedy.
USGS Warns of Heavy Casualties
The USGS has projected that injuries and fatalities could reach into the thousands, raising concerns about the true scale of the disaster as rescue operations continue.
Authorities also reported landslides triggered by the earthquakes, complicating rescue efforts and increasing risks in mountainous regions.
Emergency services have been deployed across affected areas, while search-and-rescue teams continue to look for survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.
State of Emergency Declared
Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez declared a nationwide state of emergency following the disaster and ordered a coordinated response involving emergency agencies, military personnel, and disaster management teams.
Government officials are assessing damage to critical infrastructure, including transportation networks, hospitals, and public buildings.
Opposition Leader Expresses Solidarity
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado offered her condolences and support to citizens affected by the disaster.
In a message posted on social media platform X, she said:
“My heart, my infinite embrace, and my prayers are with every Venezuelan home in these hours of anguish. May strength, serenity, and solidarity prevail among us in the face of this difficult moment. May God protect every Venezuelan, our families, and our homes. Today, more united than ever.”
Another Strong Earthquake Hits Japan
Hours after the Venezuelan earthquakes, a separate 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan. Authorities there reported no immediate casualties or significant damage, although monitoring continued for potential aftershocks.
The twin earthquakes in Venezuela have renewed concerns about seismic risks in the region and are expected to prompt further assessments of building safety standards and emergency preparedness as rescue and recovery efforts continue.