Two Consecutive 7.2 and 7.5 Earthquakes Strike Venezuela, Killing at Least 32

Venezuela declared a state of emergency after being hit by two consecutive powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 on June 25, killing at least 32 people and injuring around 700. Large-scale rescue operations are underway in the hardest-hit areas.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenters of both earthquakes were in Yaracuy state, west of the capital Caracas. The first quake, magnitude 7.2, struck at a depth of 22 km, followed less than a minute later by a second of magnitude 7.5 at a depth of about 10 km. Although the epicenters were away from the capital, tremors were clearly felt in Caracas and across most of central and western Venezuela, including the states of Carabobo, Miranda, La Guaira and Trujillo. Shaking was also recorded in neighboring Colombia and as far as the Amazon region of Brazil, more than 1,700 km from Caracas.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced the government had closed Caracas's Simon Bolivar International Airport due to damage, suspended school classes for several days, and urged residents to remain calm. Rescue teams are searching for victims in the rubble of collapsed buildings, especially in Caracas's Altamira district, where a 22-story building completely collapsed. Hospitals and clinics have been mobilized to treat the injured, while medical staff were ordered to report immediately to health facilities.

The current casualty count stands at 32 dead and around 700 injured, but that number is expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue. The worst-affected areas include Caracas's Altamira and El Paraiso districts, as well as La Guaira and central regions of Venezuela. The USGS warned the death toll could increase significantly because many buildings in the affected region are made of masonry and brick, which are vulnerable in strong earthquakes.

The international community quickly expressed solidarity with Venezuela. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States is ready, willing and able to help, directing all government agencies to prepare to act quickly. The U.S. administration will send search and rescue teams, medical supplies and other humanitarian aid. El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said his country is preparing to send 300 rescue and medical personnel, along with 50 tons of medical supplies and emergency equipment. Ecuador and Panama also announced humanitarian assistance, with Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa stressing that humanitarian concerns must take priority despite political differences. Mexico and Brazil expressed solidarity with Venezuela and said they are closely monitoring the situation.