A powerful earthquake struck off Venezuela’s northern coast on June 24 local time. Different agencies measured it between magnitude 7.1 and 7.5. The epicentre was near Morón, about 160 km west of Caracas, at a depth of around 10 km. A second earthquake above magnitude 7 hit the same area within a minute.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) warned the twin earthquakes in Venezuela could cause widespread damage and significant casualties. Hundreds of thousands experienced strong shaking, and the potential death toll could reach the tens of thousands if severe damage is confirmed. The USGS said it is Venezuela’s strongest recorded earthquake since 1900.
Buildings were damaged in Caracas, while videos also showed destruction in areas including La Guaira. Authorities said many buildings in Venezuela are poorly built, increasing the risk of heavy damage. There are still no official nationwide casualty figures, and the worst-hit communities near the epicentre have not yet been fully assessed.
Soon after the earthquakes, the US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami threat for parts of Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. The warning was later cancelled after officials said the earthquake no longer posed a tsunami threat.
Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced that the country would enter a nationwide state of emergency. She urged people to remain united, ordered schools across the country to close, and suspended all non-essential activities.
Rodríguez also said Maiquetía International Airport was closed after suffering earthquake-related damage. The mayor of Chacao confirmed that the earthquake caused casualties but did not provide any numbers.
Emergency teams are continuing search, rescue and damage assessment operations. Officials are monitoring the situation closely as communication with some areas near the epicentre remains limited, and the full extent of the disaster is still being determined.
U.S. President Donald Trump says the two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela have caused devastating loss of life. He said the United States is ready to assist and has directed all government agencies to prepare for a rapid response, adding, “We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good.”
Update: Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, said the official death toll has risen to 164, with 971 people injured. Rescue operations remain underway under a national emergency, while the country awaits assistance from at least 10 nations.
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