Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela near the city of Moron on June 24, 2026. The first quake measured magnitude 7.2, followed by a 7.5 magnitude tremor about 39 seconds later [1, 2, 3, 4]. The epicenters were located 160 to 168 kilometers west of Caracas, with depths ranging between 10 and 22 kilometers according to different sources [1, 5, 2, 3, 4].

The quakes triggered major building collapses across Caracas, including at the international airport and neighborhoods such as Altamira, San Bernardino, Baruta, and Chacao [1, 2, 3, 4]. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed the damage and urged residents to remain outside to avoid aftershocks and gas leaks. "There are several complicated areas … very alarming areas," he said, noting the collapse of buildings and homes and the activation of rescue efforts with all available resources [1, 2, 6].

Residents reported panicked evacuations with thousands fleeing onto the streets during the public holiday marking Venezuela’s independence. Caracas resident Roberto Damas described the shaking force: "The building really shook from side to side. Unreal. The force was incredibly strong. We were walking and it was tossing us around" [6]. Another resident, Astrid Ramirez, said, "Everyone was running down the stairs" as the quake started [2]. An 80-year-old pensioner compared the event to a fatal 1967 quake: "This earthquake was horrible, even worse than the one in 1967" [4].

Authorities have issued a broad initial death toll estimate ranging from 10,000 to 100,000, and emergency teams are attempting to reach people trapped under rubble [2, 3, 7]. Hospital staff in Caracas have been asked to double shifts amid damaged facilities to treat the injured [5].

Following the earthquakes, the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued and then quickly withdrew tsunami alerts for Caribbean islands, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands [4, 6, 8]. About 20 aftershocks have been recorded since the main tremors [9].

Venezuela lies in a seismically active area where the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates meet [4]. The government continues rescue and relief efforts as aftershocks persist. Authorities urged caution to protect children and the elderly and advised residents to check on neighbors and avoid entering unstable buildings [6].