CARACAS, Venezuela, June 25 – Venezuela is facing one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history after two powerful earthquakes struck within moments of each other on Wednesday evening, leaving widespread destruction across multiple regions of the country. Authorities have confirmed that at least 32 people lost their lives and 700 were injured, while rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings in hopes of finding survivors.
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, rattled communities shortly after 6 p.m. local time. The force of the tremors was felt across much of Venezuela and even reached neighboring countries. Government officials warned that the number of casualties could increase as emergency workers gain access to heavily damaged areas and continue recovery operations.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency, describing the situation as a major humanitarian crisis. She urged citizens to remain calm, follow official safety instructions, and support ongoing rescue efforts.
Rescue Operations Continue as Hard-Hit Areas Struggle with Massive Damage
According to statements from Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, the coastal state of La Guaira suffered some of the most severe destruction. The area, located north of Caracas, witnessed the collapse of numerous buildings, trapping residents beneath debris and prompting urgent rescue missions.
Emergency crews worked throughout the night using heavy equipment and specialized tools to search damaged structures. State television footage showed dramatic scenes of survivors being pulled from the rubble, including several children who were rescued alive despite being trapped under collapsed buildings.
Officials reported that more than 700 people suffered injuries ranging from minor wounds to critical trauma. Hospitals in several regions quickly became overwhelmed as medical personnel rushed to treat victims. Rodríguez appealed directly to healthcare workers across the country, urging doctors, nurses, and emergency responders to report for duty and assist with the growing number of casualties.
The disaster also disrupted key infrastructure. Simón Bolívar International Airport, Venezuela’s principal international gateway, sustained damage and was temporarily closed. Authorities additionally suspended subway operations and natural gas services in Caracas as a precautionary measure while engineers assessed structural safety.
The Ministry of Education announced the temporary closure of schools for several days. Some educational facilities are expected to serve as emergency shelters and collection points for humanitarian donations. Government officials encouraged citizens to report damage through official communication channels to help authorities identify areas requiring urgent assistance.
In Falcon state, Governor Víctor Clark confirmed that dozens of people required hospitalization and rescue teams were working to reach individuals believed trapped beneath collapsed structures. Throughout the affected regions, roads were obstructed by debris, fallen utility poles, and damaged buildings, complicating emergency response efforts.
Powerful Back-to-Back Quakes Shake Venezuela and Neighboring Countries
The earthquakes rank among the strongest recorded in Venezuela in more than a century. Data released by the U.S. Geological Survey indicated that the first earthquake measured 7.2 in magnitude and struck near the Caribbean coastal region west of Morón. Just one minute later, a second and even stronger earthquake measuring 7.5 struck nearby.
The shallow depth of both earthquakes amplified their destructive impact, causing violent shaking across a broad geographical area. Residents in Caracas described moments of panic as buildings swayed dramatically and sections of walls collapsed into streets below.
Many people fled homes, offices, restaurants, and apartment buildings immediately after the shaking began. Witnesses reported scenes of confusion as families gathered outdoors, uncertain whether additional tremors would follow.
Caracas resident Hector Ricci described how the earthquake intensified rapidly, forcing entire neighborhoods into the streets. Another resident, Roberto Gamas, recalled that the building he occupied moved violently from side to side, creating fear among everyone inside.
The disaster also triggered widespread disruptions to electricity and telecommunications networks. In several parts of the capital, residents lost cellphone service, making it difficult for families to contact loved ones. The communication breakdown added to public anxiety, especially among relatives of Venezuelans living abroad.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that the tremors were felt across numerous states and urged motorists to keep roads clear for ambulances, fire services, and rescue vehicles. He also warned residents about the possibility of aftershocks, stressing the importance of remaining cautious around damaged structures.
Beyond Venezuela’s borders, the seismic event was felt across parts of South America. Buildings were evacuated in several cities within Brazil’s Amazon region after occupants experienced strong shaking. Reports from Colombia indicated that residents in northern and northeastern areas also felt the earthquakes, although no significant injuries or damage were immediately reported.
Authorities briefly issued tsunami alerts following the earthquakes. However, monitoring agencies later withdrew those warnings after further evaluation.
International Community Mobilizes Support for Venezuela
As news of the disaster spread globally, governments across the Americas and beyond offered assistance to support Venezuela’s recovery efforts.
The United States announced plans to deploy search-and-rescue specialists, medical resources, and humanitarian aid. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on social media that emergency support would be delivered immediately to help affected communities.
Rodríguez later confirmed that she had spoken with Rubio by telephone and expressed gratitude for the messages of solidarity received from numerous world leaders.
Jeremy P. Lewin, the U.S. undersecretary of state for foreign assistance, said the State Department had activated a disaster assistance team and established a coordination task force to support relief operations alongside Venezuelan authorities.
Additional support arrived from several countries throughout Latin America. Rodríguez announced that rescue personnel from Qatar, Mexico, and El Salvador were preparing to assist emergency operations on the ground.
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele publicly expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and offered humanitarian assistance despite longstanding political differences between the two governments. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa also directed immediate aid shipments to support relief efforts, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian cooperation during times of crisis.
Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz indicated that Bolivia stood ready to provide assistance if requested, while Brazil’s government expressed support and confirmed that no Brazilian citizens had been reported injured.
Meanwhile, opposition leader María Corina Machado, speaking from exile, called for unity and resilience among Venezuelans as the nation confronts the aftermath of the catastrophe.
The earthquakes have once again highlighted the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters and the importance of coordinated emergency response systems. As rescue teams continue searching for survivors and authorities assess the full extent of the damage, Venezuela faces a long and challenging recovery process. With thousands affected, critical infrastructure damaged, and entire communities disrupted, the coming days will be crucial in determining the true scale of one of the country’s most devastating seismic events in modern times.