Venezuela earthquakes cause casualties

On June 24, 2026, two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela within a minute of each other. The first was a magnitude 7.2 tremor, followed by a magnitude 7.5 quake, both centered near the coastal town of Morón, about 100 miles west of Caracas. The shallow depths intensified shaking, causing buildings to collapse in the capital and other cities. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, closed the main airport, and urged calm. Rescue efforts are underway, but officials have not yet released casualty figures. The US Geological Survey warned of high casualties and widespread damage, estimating deaths could range from thousands to tens of thousands. Tsunami warnings for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were quickly withdrawn. International responses included offers of aid from the United States, which is already heavily involved in Venezuela following the January capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The earthquakes are among the strongest to hit the country in over a century, reviving memories of a deadly 1967 quake. Witnesses described violent shaking, falling debris, and panic in the streets. Many residents spent the night outdoors fearing aftershocks. The doublet earthquake event complicates rescue and assessment efforts.