Venezuela has been left reeling after two powerful earthquakes struck the country’s northern region on June 24, causing widespread destruction, killing at least 32 people, and injuring more than 700 others.
According to authorities, the earthquakes measured magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 and occurred just 39 seconds apart near the town of Morón in Yaracuy State, approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas. Seismologists described the event as a rare and powerful “doublet” earthquake sequence.
The tremors were felt across much of Venezuela, including the capital Caracas, as well as neighboring Colombia. Buildings collapsed in several districts, trapping residents beneath rubble and triggering large-scale rescue operations. Significant damage was also reported in La Guaira and other coastal areas.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency, confirming the initial death toll while warning that the number could rise as rescue workers continue searching damaged structures. Schools were closed, public transportation services suspended, and emergency teams deployed across affected states.
Authorities reported more than 20 aftershocks following the main quakes, increasing fears of further building collapses and complicating rescue efforts. Simón Bolívar International Airport was temporarily shut down after sustaining damage, while power and communications outages affected multiple communities.
International support has begun arriving as neighboring countries and global organizations offer assistance. The U.S. Geological Survey warned that casualties could increase significantly given the scale of the disaster and the extent of structural damage reported across the region.
