Powerful dual earthquakes strike Venezuela

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, two powerful earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela, causing building collapses and panic in the capital, Caracas. According to the USGS, the 7.2 earthquake occurred at 18:04 local time at a depth of 21.9 km, followed 39 to 40 seconds later by a 7.5 magnitude tremor at a depth of 10 km. The tremors were felt as far away as Colombia. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency, suspended classes and rail services, and closed the Simon Bolivar International Airport due to structural damage. While official casualty figures have not been released, reports indicate that a 22-story building collapsed in the Altamira district, and search and rescue efforts are ongoing. The USGS warned of potential large-scale destruction and casualties, while the Interior Minister ordered the suspension of natural gas supplies to prevent accidents. A temporary tsunami warning was issued for the Caribbean coast but was subsequently withdrawn.