Back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and triggering a massive rescue operation
Venezuela: At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on June 24, causing extensive damage across several cities and prompting authorities to declare a nationwide state of emergency.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near San Felipe, west of Caracas, before a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake hit near Yumare less than a minute later. The tremors were followed by nearly two dozen aftershocks, further complicating rescue efforts.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency as emergency services, military personnel and rescue teams were deployed to affected regions.
Authorities reported the collapse of multiple buildings in Caracas and other parts of the country, while damage to critical infrastructure forced the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport. “We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed,” Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said while outlining ongoing rescue operations.
The hardest-hit areas include Caracas, La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcón states. Residents described scenes of panic as people rushed into the streets amid fears of additional tremors. Rescue teams continue searching through damaged structures for survivors.
International assistance is being mobilised as authorities assess the full scale of the disaster. Officials have warned residents to avoid damaged buildings and remain alert due to the risk of further aftershocks.
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