Two massive earthquakes struck Venezuela just 39 seconds apart, killing at least 164 people and leaving more than 14,000 missing — and experts warn the death toll could climb as high as 100,000.
Story Highlights
- A 7.2 and a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit northern Venezuela within 39 seconds of each other on June 24, 2026, making it the strongest quake in the country in over 100 years.
- At least 164 people were confirmed dead, more than 1,000 injured, and over 14,000 reported missing as rescue crews dug through rubble.
- Buildings collapsed across Caracas, including a 22-story tower, and Simón Bolívar International Airport was shut down after suffering damage.
- The U.S. Geological Survey’s disaster prediction system warned the final death toll could reach as high as 100,000.
Back-to-Back Quakes Rock Venezuela
Two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on the evening of June 24, 2026. The first hit at 6:04 p.m. local time near San Felipe with a magnitude of 7.2. Just 39 seconds later, a stronger 7.5 magnitude quake struck nearby Yaracuy. [1] The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed both events. Scientists say this type of “doublet” earthquake — two major quakes hitting almost at once — happens in only about 5% of large seismic events worldwide.
The 7.5 magnitude quake is the largest to hit Venezuela since 1900. [2] Residents in neighboring Colombia also felt the shaking. A tsunami warning was briefly issued for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and other Caribbean islands before being lifted. The double strike gave people almost no time to react, which likely made the destruction far worse than a single quake would have caused.
Widespread Destruction Across Caracas
Buildings collapsed across the capital city of Caracas. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed that a 22-story building in the Altamira neighborhood completely fell down. [2] Simón Bolívar International Airport was shut down after the quakes caused damage there, with video capturing the moment the shaking hit the terminal. Residents poured into the streets as structures crumbled around them, and officials urged people to leave their homes.
Communication lines went down in several areas, making it hard for families to reach loved ones and for emergency crews to coordinate rescues. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed at least 164 people killed, more than 1,000 injured, and over 14,000 reported missing. [9] Rescue teams raced to find survivors buried under debris, working through the night in dangerous conditions with aftershocks still rattling the region.
Death Toll Could Climb Much Higher
The U.S. Geological Survey’s disaster prediction system — which uses population data and building types to estimate casualties — warned that the final death toll could reach as high as 100,000. [2] That number is a worst-case estimate, not a confirmed figure. Still, the warning signals just how serious this disaster is. Early reports from some outlets cited only 37 deaths before official numbers came in, showing how chaotic and fast-moving the situation was in the first hours.
Massive devastation in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes- 10,000 feared to be dead. The interest is in Venezuelan oil NOT people. https://t.co/YsUSaZgmua
— Sami Ullah Malik (@drsumalik) June 25, 2026
President Donald Trump stated the United States was willing to help Venezuela in the aftermath of the disaster. Venezuela’s socialist government, led by Nicolás Maduro’s allies, has long kept American aid at arm’s length due to political tensions. Whether that changes in the face of a disaster of this scale remains to be seen. The people of Venezuela — who have already suffered years of economic collapse and political repression — now face one of the worst natural disasters in their country’s modern history. They deserve every bit of help the world can offer.
Sources:
[1] Web – Earthquakes Devastate Venezuela
[2] Web – Maps Show Reach of Venezuelan Earthquakes
[9] Web – A 7.1 earthquake just hit Venezuela. Buildings …