Venezuela struck by two powerful earthquakes within minutes, dozens killed

Venezuela was hit on June 24 by two major earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, occurring just 38 seconds apart. Buildings in the city of Caracas and La Guaira state collapsed, with at least 32 people confirmed dead and over 700 injured according to initial reports. The US Geological Survey warns that the final death toll could reach thousands.

Venezuela experienced two extraordinary earthquakes on the evening of June 24, striking the country just 38 seconds apart. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), both natural disasters occurred approximately 160 kilometres west of Venezuela's capital, Caracas, with the first measuring 7.2 magnitude and the second 7.5.

Buildings collapse, emergency declared

The hardest-hit area was La Guaira state on the Caribbean coast, where residential buildings and other structures collapsed. Several buildings in Caracas also sustained damage. As of the morning of June 25, 32 deaths had been officially confirmed and more than 700 people injured, though authorities warn that the number of victims will likely rise significantly. The USGS projects that the final death toll could reach thousands and does not rule out exceeding 10,000.

The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency. Caracas international airport was closed due to infrastructure damage, and authorities cut off gas supplies to homes to prevent further accidents.

Strongest tremors in over a century

According to seismologists, these are the strongest earthquakes Venezuela has experienced in over a hundred years. The tremors were felt in neighbouring countries, including as far as northern Brazil.

International aid en route

The US and several Latin American countries have pledged to provide assistance to Venezuela. International rescue teams are preparing to deploy to the affected areas, where rescue workers continue searching for survivors in the rubble of collapsed buildings.