27.06.2026 14:17
After earthquakes of magnitudes 7.5 and 7.2 occurring 39 seconds apart in Venezuela, a state of emergency was declared. Buildings collapsed in the capital Caracas and many states, while images from the region revealed the scale of the disaster. As search and rescue efforts continue, schools have been closed, the airport has been shut down, and 20 aftershocks have been recorded so far.
A state of emergency was declared in Venezuela after two earthquakes measuring 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude occurred just 39 seconds apart. Buildings collapsed in many areas, especially in the capital Caracas, and images from the region revealed the scale of the disaster.
Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced that a state of emergency was declared following the consecutive earthquakes of 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude.
Speaking at a press conference in the capital Caracas, Rodriguez stated that emergency mechanisms within the General Staff were activated and that Simon Bolivar International Airport was closed until further notice.
SCOPE OF DESTRUCTION REVEALED AT DAWN
Initial images from the region after the earthquakes revealed the extent of the destruction. Buildings were seen collapsed or severely damaged in many residential areas, especially the capital Caracas. While search and rescue teams continued their work in areas where debris piles formed, citizens took to the streets fearing aftershocks.
While many panicked people preferred to wait in open areas, teams began a race against time to reach those trapped under the rubble.
20 AFTERSHOCKS RECORDED
Rodriguez stated that 20 aftershocks have occurred so far, and serious destruction has been experienced in various districts of Caracas as well as in the states of Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcon.
"Two consecutive earthquakes occurred and 20 aftershocks have been recorded so far. This is a situation with serious consequences," said Rodriguez, announcing that all public institutions have been mobilized under crisis management.
SCHOOLS CLOSED, ACTIVITIES SUSPENDED
Rodriguez reported that under the state of emergency, schools were closed, all non-essential activities were suspended, and damaged structures would be urgently inspected.
"Our priority is to save lives. This is a time for national unity," said Rodriguez, stating that search and rescue operations continue uninterrupted. No official statement has been made yet regarding the number of casualties and injuries.
MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FOR VENEZUELA FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Rodriguez stated that after the earthquakes, many countries including the USA, Panama, Qatar, Ecuador, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico sent solidarity messages, and thanked the United Nations and international financial institutions.
USGS: EARTHQUAKES OCCURRED 39 SECONDS APART
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) announced that two earthquakes, one measuring 7.5 magnitude 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare in Yaracuy state and another measuring 7.2 magnitude 24 kilometers northeast of San Felipe, occurred just 39 seconds apart. The USGS reported the depth of the earthquakes as 10 kilometers in Yumare and 21.9 kilometers in San Felipe.