Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck northern Venezuela on June 24, 2026, causing widespread destruction.
Authorities reported at least 164 deaths and 971 injuries, with the toll expected to rise as rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings. The hardest-hit areas include La Guaira, Caracas, and surrounding states, where numerous homes, businesses, and public infrastructure were severely damaged.
The earthquakes, among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century, prompted the government to declare a state of emergency. Airports, transport systems, and some public services were disrupted, while schools were converted into shelters and aid centers. More than 20 aftershocks have been reported, complicating rescue efforts.
International assistance has begun arriving from several countries, including the United States and other regional partners. Emergency crews are using heavy equipment and search-and-rescue teams to locate survivors trapped under rubble.
