Twin Earthquakes Rock Venezuela: State of Emergency declared

STATE OF EMERGENCY: Twin Earthquakes Strike Venezuela, Massive Destruction Reported in Caracas

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck the country's north-central region within seconds of each other on June 24, 2026. The back-to-back tremors caused widespread damage, including the collapse of several high-rise buildings in the capital, Caracas.

By Natalie Ramirez

Political Correspondent

Published Jun 25, 2026
Updated 2:30 Am ET
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CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela has declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck the country's north-central region just 39 seconds apart on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

The back-to-back earthquakes caused widespread damage across the region, including the collapse of several high-rise buildings in the capital, Caracas. Communications and utility services were also disrupted as emergency crews rushed to assess the damage.

The disaster struck on a national holiday marking the Battle of Carabobo, when many families were at home. Rescue teams have been searching damaged buildings for survivors while authorities continue to assess the full extent of the destruction.

Total devastation in Venezuela following a powerful earthquake. Up to 100,000 people are feared dead.

Pray for them, they didn’t deserve this. pic.twitter.com/heMpFeO9Y4
— Dr. Maalouf ‏ (@realMaalouf) June 25, 2026

Official Statement:

"At this time, we have received reports of 32 deaths and more than 700 injured."--Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodríguez

What Officials Said

Death toll may rise: Rodríguez said the number of people killed is expected to increase as rescue teams continue searching collapsed buildings.
Some areas are still cut off: The current death toll does not include the coastal state of La Guaira, where communication remains severely disrupted. Officials are still waiting for information from the area.
Hospitals on high alert: The government has asked doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers across the country to report to local hospitals to help treat the large number of injured people.
Rescue operations continue: In the neighboring state of Falcón, Governor Víctor Clark said at least 32 people had been hospitalized. He also confirmed that rescue teams were still working to free at least 15 people believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings and debris.

Damaged and Collapsed Buildings After Twin Earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela

Venezuela Earthquake Summary (June 24, 2026)

🌍 Foreshock

Magnitude: 7.2

Time: 18:04:33 VET

Depth: 21.9 km

⚠️ Mainshock

Magnitude: 7.5

Time: 18:05:11 VET

Depth: 10.0 km

📍 Epicenter

Location: Veroes Municipality, Yaracuy State

Distance: About 168 km west of Caracas

📈 Maximum Intensity

MMI IX – Violent Shaking

Strong enough to cause severe damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Damage Across the Region

The twin earthquakes caused widespread destruction across north-central Venezuela, with Caracas among the hardest-hit areas. Several buildings were damaged or collapsed, leaving emergency teams searching for survivors.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the Altamira and Los Palos Grandes neighborhoods suffered the most severe damage. Officials reported that at least three large buildings collapsed in Altamira, including a 22-story residential tower.

Many other buildings across southeastern Caracas also suffered major structural damage, forcing residents to evacuate as rescue operations continued.

Major Services Disrupted

The earthquakes also disrupted essential services across the region, making rescue efforts more difficult.

Service	Status
Airport	Simón Bolívar International Airport suspended all arrivals and departures after suffering damage.
Public Transport	Caracas Metro services were suspended until safety inspections could be completed.
Power & Gas	The government shut off gas supplies in parts of the city to reduce the risk of fires and explosions.
Communications	Phone and internet services were disrupted in several affected areas.
Disaster Zone	The coastal state of La Guaira was officially declared a disaster zone.

International Relief Efforts Underway

Emergency response teams and the Venezuelan Red Cross have begun search-and-rescue operations in the affected areas. Crews are clearing debris, searching for survivors, and setting up temporary shelters for families displaced by the earthquakes.

Neighboring countries have also started preparing to provide assistance. The Colombian Red Cross has placed its specialized rescue teams on standby for possible deployment if requested by Venezuelan authorities.

Leaders from around the world have expressed support for Venezuela. U.S. President Donald Trump offered immediate disaster assistance, and Acting President Delcy Rodríguez publicly thanked the United States for its offer of aid.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences to the victims and said India stands ready to provide any assistance needed to support relief and recovery efforts.

International Relief Efforts Underway

Search-and-rescue teams continue to work across the affected areas as emergency crews search for survivors and help families displaced by the earthquakes. The Venezuelan Red Cross has deployed rescue workers, ambulances, and temporary shelters, while volunteers continue clearing debris in the hardest-hit communities.

Neighboring countries have also offered support. The Colombian Red Cross has placed its specialized rescue teams on standby for possible deployment if requested by Venezuelan authorities. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is also helping coordinate humanitarian relief.

Several world leaders have expressed support for Venezuela. U.S. President Donald Trump offered immediate disaster assistance, and Acting President Delcy Rodríguez thanked the United States for its support. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and said India stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance if needed.

Emergency Helplines

Authorities have urged residents to avoid damaged buildings, remain alert for aftershocks, and use official emergency services for assistance.

Service	Contact
General Emergency (Movistar)	911
General Emergency (Digitel)	112
Civil Protection (Protección Civil)	0800-5588427 / 0800-2668446 / 0800-2624368
Fixed-Line Emergency (CANTV)	171

Information for Foreign Nationals

The U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, which provides regional emergency support, has activated a crisis assistance line for U.S. citizens and families seeking information about relatives in the affected areas.

Service	Contact
U.S. Embassy Regional Crisis Line	+57 1 275 2000

Officials have also advised residents to follow updates from local authorities, report missing persons through official channels, and avoid entering damaged buildings until they have been declared safe.

Our Thoughts Are With Venezuela

The entire team at Daily Brief Global extends its heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and to everyone affected by this devastating earthquake. We stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela and hope for the safe rescue of those still missing, a swift recovery for the injured, and strength for the communities rebuilding in the days ahead.

If you have friends or family in the affected areas, we encourage you to check on their safety through official channels. You can also support trusted humanitarian organizations providing emergency relief to survivors.

Share your messages of support in the comments below, and follow Daily Brief Global for verified updates as rescue efforts and recovery operations continue.