1) Two devastating earthquakes in less than 40 seconds
On June 24, 2026, Venezuela was shaken by two consecutive earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5, an extremely rare phenomenon known as a “seismic doublet”. Both tremors occurred just 39 seconds apart.
2) Caracas suffered some of the worst damage
The tremors caused buildings to collapse in areas such as Los Palos Grandes and Altamira, as well as damage at Simón Bolívar International Airport. Flights, classes, and public transportation services were also suspended.
3) The death toll continues to rise
The preliminary toll reports at least 164 dead and more than 700 injured. However, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned that the final number of victims could be much higher due to the scale of the disaster.
4) The government declared a national state of emergency
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, suspended non-essential activities, and mobilized the entire health and rescue network to assist those affected.
5) Thousands of people remain in the streets for fear of further aftershocks
While national and international rescue teams search for survivors among the rubble, many residents of Caracas refuse to return to their homes for fear of the more than 20 subsequent tremors recorded after the earthquakes.
