The initial quake struck roughly 160 km west of Caracas and was quickly followed by a 7.5 magnitude event, as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Tras los fuertes sismos registrados esta tarde en el país, hemos decretado Estado de Emergencia en todo el territorio nacional.
Hacemos un llamado a todos los ciudadanos y ciudadanas a mantenerse atentos, en resguardo y con la mayor calma posible. pic.twitter.com/WFlj6rVs0U
— Delcy Rodríguez (@delcyrodriguezv) June 25, 2026
Reports indicate that these significant quakes caused substantial damage to structures in Caracas and led experts to caution about the potential for severe casualties, including deaths and injuries, along with widespread devastation throughout the nation.
According to a Reuters report citing USGS, “High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread.”
Early projections suggested the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000.
venezuela
No official confirmation has been released as of yet.
Video clips showed emergency responders navigating through the debris of a collapsed building as night descended, while heartbroken relatives sought assistance for missing family members.
Residents Flee As Quake Strikes
At the time of the earthquakes, many Venezuelans were at home, observing a public holiday marking a military victory from 1821 that played a role in the nation’s independence from Spain.
An earthquake of this magnitude in a country where infrastructure has not been modernized for decades and under an inept, corrupt dictatorship. the ’67 historic earthquake in Caracas was 6.8… Please pray for Venezuelans pic.twitter.com/gUxJJHfjwd
— Germania Rodriguez Poleo (@iamGermania) June 24, 2026
Residents throughout Caracas, which experienced a deadly 6.3 magnitude earthquake in 1967, hurried to evacuate as the buildings trembled.
Caracas in Tatters
Fire trucks were seen on the streets of Caracas, where numerous buildings had their facades severely compromised.
A video from a hospital revealed a poorly lit corridor littered with plaster debris and ceiling panels hanging from their supports.
Those in La Guaira, a coastal city near Caracas, reported crumbling structures, while social media footage appeared to indicate significant damage at the country’s main airport. Verification of the airport and La Guaira images by Reuters was not immediately possible.
The National Assembly announced via email the cancellation of Thursday’s session for legislators.
State television reportedly aired a continuous stream of its own programming for over an hour on Wednesday night, momentarily interrupting for remarks from Cabello.
Tsunami Fear Allayed After Withdrawal of Warning
After the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System issued alerts for Puerto Rico, the US, and the British Virgin Islands, indicating that Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire might experience hazardous waves. However, the warning was lifted about an hour later.
Venezuela is positioned in a seismically active zone where the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates converge.
Historically, the USGS noted that a catastrophic earthquake in March 1812 led to the deaths of around 30,000 individuals in Merida and Caracas.
Donald Trump Reacts
Reacting to the situation via a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths. The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!! President DJT”
Also Read: US President Donald Trump attends a rally to kick off the ‘Great American State Fair’ in Washington
(Edited by : Juviraj Anchil)
First Published: Jun 25, 2026 6:47 AM IST
