Two strong earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela about 39 to 45 seconds apart on June 24, 2026, causing widespread destruction and casualties [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The first hit near San Felipe at 6:04 p.m. local time, followed by the second near Yumare [2, 4, 5, 6, 7].

The epicenters were located roughly 160-170 kilometers west of Caracas in Yaracuy state, close to towns including Morón, San Felipe, and Yumare [2, 8, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The quakes were shallow strike-slip events along the boundary of the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates [4, 5, 6].

The twin tremors caused massive building collapses in Caracas and neighboring areas, leading to mass evacuations [1, 2, 9, 10, 11]. Witnesses described long shaking and widespread damage. "It was horrible. I felt like the house was moving to a different rhythm to the earth. I had to carry my mum out. She was paralysed by fear," said Sebastian Rodríguez [1]. Jesus Alejandro Pina recalled, "It was very, very strong... It felt like about a minute. Glasses were breaking, pictures were falling, the television too. Everything was falling" [9].

At least 188 people have died and thousands have been injured, although some sources reported initial lower figures of 32 dead and 700 injured reflecting early counts [1, 3, 9, 10, 8, 7]. The US Geological Survey initially warned fatalities could reach between 10,000 and 100,000, but these remain unconfirmed estimates [4, 7].

The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency, suspended classes, and halted airport operations in response to the disaster [3, 9]. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said efforts focus on rescuing people trapped in collapsed buildings. "With the primary goal of saving lives, authorities are focusing on rescuing people trapped in collapsed buildings and homes," she said [7].

Preliminary estimates put economic losses between 1 and 7 percent of Venezuela's $111 billion GDP [8, 12]. Experts warned Venezuela's fragile economy and limited infrastructure could worsen recovery challenges [12]. Rachel Ziemba of the IMF said, "Significant reconstruction will likely be necessary, and this will likely require foreign support, including from the US, regional actors, and international financial institutions" [8].

International aid and assessment teams, including from the US, began coordinating responses and damage evaluations on June 25 [8]. Rescue efforts continue amid aftershocks and infrastructure disruptions.

The twin quakes are classified as a rare seismic "doublet," where two major quakes of similar magnitude occur close in time and location [4, 5, 6]. Initial official information and damage assessments are ongoing as Venezuela copes with the disaster's aftermath.