2 Powerful Earthquakes Rock Venezuela

Venezuela was rocked by two powerful earthquakes June 24—a 7.2-magnitude quake followed just 39 seconds later by a larger 7.5-magnitude main shock—the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported.

The main earthquake struck at 6:05 p.m. local time near Yumare, located on the country’s Caribbean coast, about 100 miles west from the capital of Caracas. The first quake was recorded at about 6:04 p.m. and was centered near San Felipe, about 4 miles north of the second quake.

A tsunami warning was issued for the coast of Venezuela but was canceled minutes later by the National Weather Service after scientists analyzed the events.

Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello spoke on state television, saying the quake could be felt in several states. Several people were injured in the earthquakes, he said.

“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most,” Cabello said.

He also urged people to remain outside as aftershocks could further damage some structures.

The USGS issued a red alert for the events. The agency estimates 10,000 to 100,000 deaths could result from the disaster, which is expected to leave extensive damage in the region. 

“Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist,” the agency reported.

Most of the buildings are unreinforced brick masonry and adobe block construction, according to the USGS.

Raw video footage from Caracas posted on social media shows plumes of smoke rising from the city and multiple buildings toppled, crushing cars.

An unverified video of an airport shared on social media shows terrified passengers running from falling ceiling structures and covering their loved ones while the ground shook.

“The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong,” Caracas resident Roberto Gamas said. “We were walking and it was tossing us around. Everything in the apartment fell. Well, thank God we were able to get out.”

In a brief address to the nation late Wednesday, acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the earthquakes caused damage in several states, but she did not give any figures of injuries or fatalities, or homes and buildings damaged.

The earthquakes damaged the country’s main airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport, severely enough to lead to its closure, she said, adding that classes are being canceled for several days.

“We urge our population to remain calm,” Rodríguez said. “We urge unity.”

Rodríguez also asked all healthcare professionals in the country to report to hospitals to assist anyone who was injured.

In the state of Falcon—to the north of the two epicenters in the states of Carabobo and Yaracuy—Gov. Victor Clark said 32 people had been hospitalized. More than four hours after the earthquake, 15 people remained trapped.

President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador expressed his support for Venezuela.

“Our hearts are with the people of Venezuela during these difficult times,” Bukele said on X. “We send you all our solidarity and our prayers. Strength Venezuela.”

Minutes after the quakes hammered Venezuela, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan. The country’s meteorological society indicated there was no tsunami threat, the USGS reported.

Melanie Sun and The Associated Press contributed to this report.