By Benson Judge | Published: June 25, 2026 | Updated: Ongoing Coverage
CARACAS, Venezuela — Two powerful earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread panic, structural collapses, and significant damage across the capital city of Caracas as emergency crews raced to assess the full scale of the disaster.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.2 and struck approximately 160 kilometers (100 miles) west of Caracas. Less than a minute later, a second and stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit the same region, creating what seismologists describe as a rare and highly destructive “doublet” event. The closely timed quakes intensified shaking across a broad area, increasing the potential for severe damage.
As night fell across Venezuela, rescue teams were deployed to damaged neighborhoods in Caracas, where several buildings reportedly collapsed. Video footage circulating from the capital showed emergency personnel searching through rubble while residents gathered in streets and public spaces amid fears of aftershocks.
Authorities Report Structural Damage Across the Capital
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed that homes and buildings had collapsed in parts of Caracas, though officials had not released a confirmed death toll or injury count at the time of publication. Emergency response agencies continued damage assessments overnight as rescue operations expanded to affected districts.
The USGS issued a preliminary impact assessment indicating that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable,” while emphasizing that such estimates are based on early seismic modeling and should not be interpreted as confirmed casualty figures. Initial projections suggested the disaster could affect a large population across the region.
Holiday Celebrations Turn to Chaos
The earthquakes struck during a national holiday commemorating Venezuela’s independence struggle, a time when many citizens were at home with family and friends. Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as buildings swayed violently and residents rushed to evacuate.
“As soon as it started, we began hearing people screaming,” Caracas resident Astrid Ramirez told reporters. “Everyone was running down the stairs.”
Other residents reported power outages, communication disruptions, shattered glass, and visible cracks in apartment buildings. Some described the event as the strongest earthquake they had experienced in decades.
Tsunami Alerts Briefly Issued
Following the earthquakes, tsunami advisories were temporarily issued for portions of the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Monitoring agencies later canceled the advisories after further evaluation determined that the threat had diminished.
The tremors were felt beyond Venezuela’s borders, with residents in neighboring Colombia also reporting strong shaking.
Developing Story
Seismologists continue to monitor aftershocks while emergency crews search damaged structures and evaluate infrastructure across the affected region. Officials have urged residents to remain outdoors when possible, avoid unstable buildings, and follow guidance from emergency management authorities.
As of publication, authorities have not released an official casualty count. This report will be updated as additional verified information becomes available.
Editorial Note: This article is based on reporting from emergency officials, eyewitness accounts, and seismic data released by the U.S. Geological Survey. Casualty estimates referenced in early assessments remain preliminary and have not been independently confirmed by Venezuelan authorities.