Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 700 as dozens of buildings collapsed in and around the capital, Caracas.
Authorities declared a nationwide state of emergency as rescuers raced through the night to search for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
The devastating twin earthquakes caused widespread destruction across several states, forced the closure of the country's largest airport, suspended schools and transport services, and prompted international offers of humanitarian assistance.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near San Felipe, approximately 284 kilometres (176 miles) west of Caracas, at 22:04 GMT. Less than a minute later, a stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit near Yumare, around 293 kilometres (182 miles) west of the capital.
The earthquakes were centred roughly 21 kilometres (13 miles) from Morón and were felt strongly across much of the country, including the states of Trujillo, Carabobo, Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua and Falcón.
The USGS described the disaster as one likely to cause "high casualties and extensive damage," warning that the impact could be widespread.
State of emergency declared
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said at least 32 people had been killed and around 700 others injured, though she stressed the preliminary figures do not include casualties from La Guaira state, where authorities say the destruction has been most severe.
Addressing the nation on state television shortly before 1am local time (0500 GMT), Rodriguez confirmed that dozens of buildings had collapsed and rescue operations were continuing around the clock.
"Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and we are currently carrying out very intense rescue efforts to save as many lives as God allows us to save," she said.
Additional footage of the major damage in La Guaira, Venezuela from the powerful earthquakes. pic.twitter.com/TuWjpBblnF
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) June 25, 2026
Calling the disaster "a true tragedy," Rodriguez expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and said rescue teams from several countries would soon arrive to assist local emergency workers.
She later declared a nationwide state of emergency under Venezuela's constitution.
USGS warns death toll could climb
While official casualty figures remain relatively low, the USGS' Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquakes for Response (PAGER) system warned the final toll could be dramatically higher.
The agency's latest modelling estimates a 39% probability that fatalities will range between 1,000 and 10,000 people, while there is a 37% chance the death toll could reach between 10,000 and 100,000.
Earlier estimates had suggested an even greater probability of catastrophic losses exceeding 100,000 deaths. The USGS also projected that economic losses could equal between 1% and 4% of Venezuela's gross domestic product.
Immense damage seen to buildings across Venezuela’s capital of Caracas, following what now appears to have been a “double-event” 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquake back-to-back near the coast in Northern Venezuela, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). pic.twitter.com/XoG2jSJMf2
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 24, 2026
The automated PAGER system combines seismic measurements, population exposure and historical earthquake data to estimate fatalities and economic damage shortly after major earthquakes.
Caracas suffers extensive destruction
Authorities reported severe damage across Caracas, particularly in the Altamira neighbourhood, where at least one 22-storey building collapsed entirely as emergency crews searched desperately for survivors.
Residents described hearing people trapped beneath the rubble screaming for help while others searched for flashlights to assist rescue workers.
The mayor of Chacao municipality, Gustavo Duque, confirmed that four buildings had completely collapsed in his district, one person had been killed and 22 people rescued. Around 30 additional buildings suffered major structural damage.
Three people also died in Caracas' Baruta district after two buildings collapsed, according to the district's mayor.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said several buildings had collapsed nationwide, warning that Altamira faced an "alarming situation." He urged motorists to keep roads clear so emergency services could reach affected areas.
Venezuela declaró estado de emergencia por el terremoto
— ElBuni (@therealbuni) June 25, 2026
Cada vez son peores los videos que salen pic.twitter.com/oHagYGdD3l
Emergency response mechanisms were immediately activated throughout Chacao municipality.
Rodriguez described La Guaira, north of Caracas on Venezuela's Caribbean coast, as the country's hardest-hit region. Dozens of buildings collapsed in the coastal state, which she called a "disaster zone," with rescuers continuing to search for survivors.
The Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, located in La Guaira, sustained severe damage and has been closed indefinitely.
Initial casualty figures announced by the government do not yet include victims from La Guaira.
Rescue operations continue across affected states
The earthquakes affected multiple regions, including Caracas, Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcón.
In Falcón state, Governor Victor Clark said at least 15 people remained trapped after the collapse of the La Mar Suites building along the Caribbean coast.
By late evening, 35 injured people had been admitted to a hospital in Tucacas, with two reported in critical condition. Authorities also confirmed approximately 20 aftershocks had already been recorded following the twin earthquakes.
Hospitals overwhelmed as emergency measures expand
Rodriguez appealed for doctors, nurses and healthcare workers to immediately report to hospitals and emergency departments to help treat the growing number of injured.
At Caracas' Hospital de Clínicas, medical staff were instructed to double overnight shifts to cope with the influx of patients.
Schools have been closed for the remainder of the week, while metro and rail services have been suspended along with all non-essential government activities.
Rodriguez also ordered the activation of the military's general staff under the commander of the Bolivarian National Guard to assist nationwide emergency operations.
Thousands of residents rushed into the streets as buildings shook violently across Caracas.
"When we went downstairs, the scene was like a horror movie," said Maria Alejandra, who escaped from a nearby apartment building.
"There was a very loud crash. Things fell in the house. I've never experienced anything like it," said Coro Martinez, a resident of eastern Caracas.
Astrid Ramirez said people immediately began screaming as the shaking intensified. "Everyone was running down the stairs," she recalled.
Maria Romero, an 80-year-old pensioner, said police helped her evacuate her home. "This earthquake was horrible, even worse than the one in 1967," she said.
Another resident said she received an earthquake warning on her mobile phone moments before the strongest shaking began.
Tsunami alert lifted after brief warning
A tsunami advisory was initially issued for Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands after the earthquakes. However, the US National Weather Service later cancelled all tsunami alerts, confirming the danger had passed.
Despite the widespread destruction, Venezuela's vital oil infrastructure appears to have avoided significant damage.
Civil protection officials in Maracaibo reported no injuries near the Lake Maracaibo oil region, while workers at the El Palito refinery near the epicentre said operations were unaffected.
UK energy company Shell confirmed all its employees in Venezuela were safe.
One industry source cautioned, however, that prolonged electricity outages could temporarily reduce crude production.
Neither Venezuela's Oil Ministry, state-run PDVSA nor Chevron immediately commented.
International community mobilises assistance
Rodriguez thanked leaders from the United States, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico and Qatar for offering emergency assistance. She instructed Venezuela's foreign ministry to coordinate incoming international aid.
US President Donald Trump described the earthquakes as "massive in scale" and said the United States stood "ready, willing, and able to help."
The US State Department confirmed it had mobilised disaster assistance teams, search-and-rescue specialists, medical supplies and humanitarian aid while coordinating closely with Venezuelan authorities.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also confirmed Washington was already organising assistance. The US Embassy in Caracas urged American citizens to seek secure shelter while closely monitoring the evolving situation.
Regional leaders express solidarity
Governments across Latin America quickly pledged support following the disaster. Colombia activated its emergency response teams and offered technical and operational assistance while confirming that Bogotá had suffered no structural damage despite feeling the tremors.
El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele offered to dispatch 300 rescuers and paramedics together with 50 tonnes of equipment, medicines and emergency supplies.
Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Mexico, Bolivia, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, India, the Dominican Republic, Pakistan and Qatar also extended condolences or pledged humanitarian assistance.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva instructed officials to evaluate aid options, while Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced immediate humanitarian assistance.
Communications disrupted
Internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks reported a significant decline in internet connectivity across Venezuela, including Caracas, following the earthquakes.
Venezuela sits on the boundary where the Caribbean Plate meets the South American Plate, making it one of the region's most seismically active countries.
Caracas was previously devastated by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake in 1967.
According to the USGS, an estimated 30,000 people died when a powerful earthquake destroyed large parts of Mérida and Caracas in 1812.
Emergency crews continue searching through collapsed buildings as authorities warn the full scale of the disaster may not become clear for several days.
