What we know about Venezuela’s biggest earthquake in more than a century

Seismic Crisis Strikes Venezuela: Two Major Quakes in a Single Minute

What we know about Venezuela s biggest – Two powerful earthquakes rattled Venezuela’s northern coastline on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, causing widespread panic and devastation. The first tremor, a 7.2 magnitude foreshock, occurred just after 6:04 p.m. ET near San Felipe, the capital of Yaracuy state. Less than a minute later, a 7.5 magnitude quake followed, striking approximately 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare, another town in the same region. These back-to-back quakes, with their immense force, have left the country reeling, with officials estimating at least 164 fatalities and 971 injuries. The actual toll, however, could be far greater, as infrastructure damage and collapsed buildings continue to be assessed. A state of emergency has been declared, and first responders are mobilizing nationwide to coordinate relief efforts.

Impact Across Regions and Borders

The earthquakes were felt across multiple states and even in neighboring Colombia, hundreds of kilometers from the epicenter. The timing of the disaster, which fell on a public holiday, compounded its severity, as many residents were at home or in public spaces when the ground began to shake. Videos geolocated by CNN captured the chaos, showing people fleeing buildings with their loved ones and pets, followed by crowds gathering on streets to wait for safety. In Caracas, one resident described the scene as “like a horror movie,” with the city’s skyline trembling under the force of the quakes.

Survivors’ Stories: A Harrowing Escape

“I was screaming, ‘We’re stuck inside! Someone needs to help us!’ as the building around me caved in,” recounted a Caracas resident who narrowly escaped a collapsed structure. Another witness, Martha Añez, shared her experience: “There was no way out of my apartment. I leaned out onto the balcony, shouting, ‘We’re trapped! We need help! Please, someone come!’”

Añez described the building’s third floor being “completely destroyed,” with rescue workers breaking through the door after what felt like an eternity. “They were shouting, ‘Get away from there, we’re coming and we are about six!’ until they finally burst through,” she added. Such firsthand accounts highlight the urgency of the situation, with families and communities left to fend for themselves in the immediate aftermath.

A Political and Economic Quake

The disaster has hit Venezuela at a critical moment, as the nation grapples with deepening political and financial instability. President Nicolas Maduro was captured by US forces earlier this year, leading to the appointment of acting President Delcy Rodriguez to oversee the country’s recovery. The economic crisis, fueled by years of hyperinflation, has left many Venezuelans without reliable resources to rebuild their lives. Rodriguez’s announcement of the death toll and injuries came in a video message, emphasizing the scale of destruction and the need for international support. “We are currently engaged in arduous rescue operations to save as many lives as God allows. This is truly a tragedy,” she stated.

Extensive Damage and Infrastructure Collapse

Multiple videos shared by CNN revealed widespread destruction, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira, which has been designated a disaster zone. In Macuto, a prominent waterfront hotel was reduced to rubble, while other areas saw entire blocks of high-rises collapse. The US Geological Survey (USGS) issued two separate red alerts via its PAGER system, warning of “high casualties and extensive damage.” The agency noted that many structures in the region are vulnerable to seismic activity, with older buildings lacking the reinforcement needed to withstand such force.

Communication and Energy Challenges

Following the quakes, internet connectivity across Venezuela plummeted, according to NetBlocks, a digital rights watchdog. Power outages and damage to telecommunications infrastructure disrupted both emergency communication and the flow of real-time updates from affected zones. While the situation stabilized slightly in the hours after the tremors, experts warned that these disruptions could hinder ongoing rescue operations and delay the dissemination of critical information. The Ministry of Communication and Information confirmed that security forces have been deployed to maintain order and assist in relief efforts.

Global Response and National Measures

International aid teams have begun mobilizing to Venezuela, with several countries pledging support to address the crisis. The nation’s interim government has established a high-level task force to manage search and rescue operations, while also setting aside an initial $200 million fund to rebuild infrastructure. Additionally, Simon Bolivar Airport near Caracas has been temporarily closed due to structural damage, further complicating the logistics of emergency supplies and evacuations.

Disruption of Daily Life

As the country deals with the aftermath, daily life has come to a standstill. School classes have been suspended nationwide for a week, and non-essential services, including rail operations, have been halted. Nationwide prayers for all religions are scheduled for 7 p.m. local time, reflecting the collective hope for recovery. In the capital, residents are bracing for the long-term effects of the quakes, with many expressing concern over the collapse of vital systems and the potential for further setbacks.

The combined impact of the two quakes has left Venezuela’s northern coast in ruins, with reports of collapsed buildings, broken roads, and disrupted utilities. The 7.5 magnitude tremor, which struck the most intensively, has prompted fears of long-term economic consequences. With the country already facing a deepening financial crisis and political uncertainty, the disaster may exacerbate existing challenges. Officials are urging calm, but the emotional and physical toll on the population remains profound. As rescue workers continue their efforts through the night, the full extent of the devastation is expected to emerge in the coming days.

Looking Ahead: A Nation in Peril

Venezuela’s seismic crisis underscores the vulnerability of a nation already strained by internal and external pressures. The government’s ability to respond effectively will be tested by the scale of the damage and the logistical hurdles posed by the earthquake’s aftermath. With the country’s infrastructure weakened and its economy in turmoil, the path to recovery may be long and arduous. Yet, the resilience of Venezuelans in the face of such adversity remains a testament to their enduring spirit, even as they await the results of the day’s tragic events.