Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 hit Venezuela: At least 32 dead, hundreds injured

At least 32 people were killed and around 700 injured in two successive earthquakes of magnitude 7.5 in Venezuela.

Scraper SystemJune 25, 2026, 02:48 PM

Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 hit Venezuela: At least 32 dead, hundreds injured

Venezuela was shaken by two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that struck in quick succession on Wednesday at around 18:04 local time. The government announced that at least 32 people were killed and around 700 injured, declaring a state of emergency across the country.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned of "likely high casualties and extensive damage." U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the earthquakes had caused a "devastating number of deaths."

Heavy damage in the capital Caracas

The worst destruction was reported in the capital Caracas, particularly in the Altamira district. Emergency teams raced against time to rescue those trapped under the rubble of a 22-story building, while families searching for missing loved ones gathered in the area.

Al Jazeera correspondent Teresa Bo, reporting from neighboring Colombia's capital Bogota, said authorities were continuing to assess the full extent of the damage. Caracas' Simon Bolivar International Airport was closed due to damage, education was suspended nationwide for several days, and healthcare workers were called to duty.

Epicenter and intensity of the earthquakes

According to the USGS, the epicenter of the twin earthquakes was in Yaracuy state, west of Caracas. The first earthquake, of magnitude 7.2, occurred at a depth of 22 kilometers; less than a minute later, a second, stronger earthquake of magnitude 7.5 was recorded at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers.

The tremors were felt not only in Caracas but also in the states of Carabobo, Miranda, La Guaira, and Trujillo. The effects of the earthquake reached neighboring Colombia and as far as Brazil's Amazon region, more than 1,700 kilometers from Caracas.

Concern over casualties grows

Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez stated that about two dozen aftershocks occurred following the earthquakes. Authorities said the death toll was expected to rise as search and rescue operations continued.

The USGS PAGER assessment estimates a 39% probability of casualties between 1,000 and 10,000, and a 37% probability of casualties between 10,000 and 100,000. It was emphasized that these statistical estimates are made to support emergency planning and are not confirmed loss figures.

International community mobilizes aid

Governments across the Americas issued messages of solidarity with Venezuela and launched humanitarian aid efforts. U.S. President Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, stated they were "ready, willing, and able to help" and instructed all government agencies to act swiftly.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele announced preparations to send 300 rescue workers and medical personnel along with 50 tons of medical supplies and emergency equipment. Ecuador and Panama also announced they would send humanitarian aid, while Mexico and Brazil expressed solidarity and said they were closely monitoring the situation.

Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 hit Venezuela: At least 32 dead, hundreds injured

At least 32 people were killed and around 700 injured in two successive earthquakes of magnitude 7.5 in Venezuela.