The earthquake, which hit about 160 km west of Caracas, within less than a minute, was followed by a magnitude 7.5 strike, according to 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
As per reports, the strong earthquakes struck west of damaging buildings in Caracas and prompted scientists to warn of potentially heavy casualties in the form of deaths and injuries and widespread destruction across the South American country.
As per a Reuters report that quoted USGS “High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread.”
Initially, estimations pegged the death toll would most likely range from 10,000 to 100,000.
venezuela
There is no official confirmation that is available as of now.
Video footage showed emergency workers climbing through the ruins of a collapsed building in the capital as night fell, and distraught relatives seeking help for loved ones.
Resident Flee As Quake Strikes
During a public holiday commemorating a military victory in 1821 that contributed to the country’s independence from Spain, many Venezuelans were at home when the earthquakes occurred.
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 https://t.co/KMCewipoxC pic.twitter.com/gUxJJHfjwd
— Germania Rodriguez Poleo (@iamGermania) June 24, 2026
Residents across Caracas, which was also hit by a deadly magnitude 6.3 earthquake in 1967, rushed to evacuate as buildings shook.
Caracas in Tatters
There were fire vehicles on the streets of Caracas, where the facades of several buildings were severely damaged.
A video from a hospital depicted a dimly lit hallway with plaster fragments strewn all over the floor and ceiling panels suspended from cables.
Residents in La Guaira, a seaside city close to Caracas, reported collapsing structures, and other social media images seemed to show substantial damage at Venezuela’s main airport. The footage from the airport and La Guaira could not be immediately verified by Reuters.
The National Assembly announced the cancellation of Thursday’s session in an email to legislators.
State television ran back-to-back commercials for its own shows for over an hour on Wednesday night, only pausing for Cabello’s remarks when he called in.
Tsunami Fear Allayed After Withdrawal of Warning
Following the earthquake, the US Tsunami Warning System issued a tsunami warning for Puerto Rico, the US, and the British Virgin Islands. It also stated that Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire could be affected by dangerous waves. About an hour later, the warning was revoked.
Venezuela is located in a seismically active region where the South American and Caribbean plates collide.
According to the USGS, an earthquake that devastated the towns of Merida and Caracas in March 1812 killed an estimated 30,000 people.
Donald Trump Reacts
In a post on Truth Social, Trump reacted to the developments and said, “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