Powerful back-to-back earthquakes rock Venezuela, buildings collapse in Caracas, tsunami alerts issued
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes on Wednesday, triggering panic in Caracas, damaging buildings across several regions and prompting tsunami alerts in parts of the Caribbean.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake measured 7.1 and struck off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, west of the town of Moron, about 168 kilometres from Caracas, at a depth of 13 kilometres. A second, stronger earthquake measuring 7.5 followed shortly afterwards in the same region, with its epicentre located around 16 kilometres south-west of Moron at a depth of 10 kilometres.
The powerful tremors were felt across large parts of the country, including the capital Caracas, where residents ran out of swaying buildings and gathered on the streets as walls collapsed and dust clouds rose from damaged neighbourhoods. Visuals circulating on social media showed cracked buildings, debris-strewn roads and frightened residents taking cover or rushing to open areas.
WATCH: Magnitude 7.1 earthquake destroys apartment building in Caracas, Venezuela. Number of casualties unknown. pic.twitter.com/eTVroUH5St
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) June 24, 2026
Tsunami alerts issued after quakes
Following the back-to-back earthquakes, the US Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued tsunami alerts for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, raising concerns over possible sea-level disturbances in the wider Caribbean region.
Authorities in Venezuela have not yet released an official casualty count, but fears are growing that the powerful tremors may have caused significant injuries and damage. Rescue teams have been deployed to search collapsed structures and assist those trapped under debris.
BREAKING: USGS upgrades Venezuela earthquake to 7.5. Major damage to buildings. pic.twitter.com/0tAOcqrTcW
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) June 24, 2026
Panic in Caracas as buildings suffer heavy damage
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the earthquakes were felt in several Venezuelan states and confirmed serious damage in parts of Caracas, particularly the Altamira district, where multiple homes and buildings reportedly collapsed.
Cabello urged residents to remain outdoors due to the risk of aftershocks and appealed to motorists to keep roads clear for ambulances and emergency vehicles.
“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it the most,” he said on state television.
The quakes struck on a national public holiday, when many people were at home or attending events linked to the anniversary of a key military victory in 1821 that paved the way for Venezuela’s independence from Spain.
Airport chaos, power outages and blocked roads
Videos shared online showed scenes of chaos at Venezuela’s main airport, where passengers were seen rushing out of the terminal with their luggage as lights flickered and parts of the building shook. In some clips, people were seen crouching under counters and inside shops as the tremors continued.
Across Caracas and other affected areas, collapsed buildings, fallen power poles and debris blocked roads, while several neighbourhoods reported power outages and mobile network disruptions. Many residents stayed outdoors well into the evening, fearing more tremors.
The earthquakes were also reportedly felt far beyond Venezuela, with evacuations taking place in areas as distant as Brazil’s Amazon region, nearly 1,700 kilometres from the epicentre.
Rescue and damage assessment under way
Emergency response teams remain on the ground assessing structural damage and carrying out rescue operations. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez is expected to address the nation, though the delay in official updates has triggered criticism from opposition figures and anxious residents seeking information on casualties and the scale of destruction.
The back-to-back quakes are being described as among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century, leaving the country on edge as aftershocks and rescue efforts continue.
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