Breaking: 32 Die, 700 Injured as Powerful Earthquakes Hit Venezuela, Video Trends
- Venezuela was struck by powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes, causing significant destruction and panic
- At least 32 fatalities reported as buildings collapse and emergency services mobilise across affected regions
- International support has emerged, with offers of aid from the United States (US), El Salvador, and Ecuador during the crisis
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering world news and global affairs.
Caracas, Venezuela - Powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, June 24, causing widespread damage, collapsing buildings and sending panicked residents into the streets.
The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes roiled the region, with buildings evacuated in cities as far away as Brazil’s Amazon, about 1,700 kilometres (1,050 miles) from Caracas.
Source: AFP
Addressing the nation late Wednesday, June 24, acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the earthquakes caused significant damage in several states.
Sky News reported on Thursday morning, June 25, that at least 32 people were killed and more than 700 were injured.
The earthquakes damaged the country’s main airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport, severely enough to lead to its closure, she said, adding that classes were being cancelled for several days.
“We urge our population to remain calm,” Rodríguez said. “We urge unity.”
Rodríguez also asked all health care professionals in the country to report to hospitals to assist anyone who was injured. The Ministry of Education late Wednesday said some schools would be used as shelters and donation centres.
In the coastal state of Falcon, Gov. Víctor Clark said 32 people had been hospitalised, and more than four hours after the earthquake, there were still 15 people trapped.
The U.S. Geological Survey initially said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, later revising that to 7.2. Its epicentre was west of the community of Morón, located along the country’s Caribbean coast, about 168 kilometres (104 miles) west of Caracas. The quake had a depth of 22 kilometres (13.6 miles).
The USGS reported an even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake just a minute later. The second quake had a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) and its epicentre was 16 kilometres (10 miles) southwest of Morón.
The quakes, among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century, struck shortly after 6 p.m. People evacuated swaying buildings in the capital Caracas, many visibly shocked as they saw entire walls that had collapsed, making furniture visible from the street. Dust columns could also be seen in two neighbourhoods of the capital, where restaurants and other businesses are typically busy.
Venezuela: ‘We all had to leave our houses'
People remained on the streets for hours, even after sunset. Some sat on the ground, hugging their pets as dust gathered around them. Collapsed buildings, toppled electric poles, and debris blocked streets. Parts of the capital lost power and cellphone signal.
“It started off gently and then gradually grew, and in the end, we all had to leave our houses, go outside and gather together,” Caracas resident Hector Ricci said.
Rodríguez, who declared a state of emergency, said subway and natural gas services in Caracas were cancelled. She also urged Venezuelans to report any damage through a government app.
The lack of cellphone signal in parts of Venezuela deepened the distress of many families, particularly those among the more than 7.7 million people who have left the country during its protracted crisis.
Venezuela opposition leader María Corina Machado, in exile after leaving Venezuela in December, took to X to send prayers and wish strength to Venezuelans.
“May strength, serenity, and solidarity prevail among us in the face of this difficult time,” she said on X.
Earthquakes' impact felt throughout Venezuela
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the quake could be felt in several states. The Altamira neighbourhood in Caracas had “alarming situations” with collapsed homes and buildings, he said, suggesting people were injured in the earthquake and asking motorists to give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
“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 on state television. “Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed.”
Source: AFP
He also urged people to remain outside as aftershocks could further damage some structures.
“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.”
Venezuela: Expressions of support online
Reaction poured in swiftly on social media, with offers of help from various governments, including the United States, Chile and El Salvador.
“The US stands with the Venezuelan people in the aftermath of this evening's devastating earthquakes,” U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on X. “We're in touch with the authorities and mobilising assistance.”
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, once diametrically opposed to Venezuela’s government, said he had offered aid on Wednesday night on a post on X.
“We send you all our solidarity and our prayers. Stay strong, Venezuela,” Bukele wrote.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and said he had ordered the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to help respond to the emergency.
Noboa wrote:
“Ecuador will respond with the speed and commitment this moment demands because, despite our enormous differences, humanity must always guide the actions of a leader."
A video of the tragedy in Venezuela can be viewed below via the X post:
Read more on earthquake tragedies:
- 69 confirmed dead after strong earthquake rocks Island, many still missing
- Is Nigeria at risk of earthquakes? New fact emerges in 2026
Afghanistan earthquake kills 800 people
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a powerful earthquake that hit eastern Afghanistan left more than 800 people dead and injured about 2,500.
The magnitude 6 earthquake hit four provinces in eastern Afghanistan, with the rugged, mountainous region of Kunar the worst affected, triggering landslides and flooding.
The earthquake was shallow, taking place close to the Earth’s surface, which is known to cause greater destruction.
Source: Legit.ng
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Ridwan Adeola Yusuf (Current Affairs Editor) Ridwan Adeola Yusuf is a content writer with more than nine years of experience, He is also a Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State (2014). Ridwan previously worked at Africa Check, contributing to fact-checking research works within the organisation. He is an active member of the Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI). In March 2024, Ridwan completed the full Google News Initiative Lab workshop and his effort was recognised with a Certificate of Completion. Email: ridwan.adeola@corp.legit.ng.
