Catastrophic Earthquakes Hit Venezuela
On June 24, 2026, two massive earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, causing widespread destruction. These seismic events turned buildings to rubble around the capital, Caracas.
The initial shock occurred about 6 p.m. Eastern time, with a magnitude of 7.2, followed by a more powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake less than a minute later. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) located the epicenters near Morón on the Caribbean coast, roughly 100 miles from Caracas.
“When the earthquakes are this close together,” noted USGS seismologist Paul Earle, “it’s difficult to determine the exact magnitudes and locations because signals overlap on seismograms.”
Images and videos shared online depicted the devastation, including collapsing buildings, fleeing civilians, and debris at Simón Bolívar International Airport, which has closed operations.
Impact and Damage
The death toll and injury count remain uncertain. USGS projections suggest fatalities might range up to tens of thousands, with economic impacts from billions to tens of billions of dollars.
Earle explained, “This doesn’t happen very often.” Such complexity arises when seismic events occur rapidly in succession.
The more intense quake, termed a “doublet” by USGS, marks the strongest earthquake in Venezuela since the 7.7-magnitude quake in 1900.
Across the globe, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake later hit Japan’s east coast, while Northern California experienced a 5.6-magnitude tremor, neither causing major damage.
Predicted Aftershocks
Venezuela should prepare for substantial aftershocks. USGS forecasts a 40% probability that a 6-magnitude or stronger quake could strike within a week. An earthquake of at least magnitude 5 is almost certain.
Earlier tsunami warnings for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were withdrawn, with no advisories active as of Wednesday night.
Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, declared a state of emergency. She confirmed damage in multiple states and called for national unity, advising citizens to remain calm.