25/06/2026 20:50 - Internacionales
Venezuela faces a humanitarian crisis after being struck by two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that occurred just 39 seconds apart on June 24, 2026 at 6:04 PM local time (10:04 PM GMT). The epicenter was located near the town of Morón, in Carabobo state, approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) west of Caracas, the nation's capital and largest city.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed that most of the damage was concentrated in the capital and along the country's northern coast. "We send our sincerest condolences to those who have lost loved ones," she stated during a press conference.
The main international airport suffered severe damage and was immediately closed. Videos on social media show passengers running while debris falls from the ceiling.
In Catia La Mar, a neighboring coastal town, dozens of buildings collapsed, including beachfront hotels and residential condominiums. Playa Grande neighborhood was particularly affected.
Scientists classified this event as a seismic doublet, a rare phenomenon where two earthquakes of similar magnitude occur in close sequence. Unlike typical aftershocks (which are of smaller magnitude), in a doublet both quakes have comparable strength. The last similar event in Venezuela occurred in 2018 with a magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Sucre state.
The Venezuelan government declared a state of emergency and mobilized rescue teams from other regions of the country to the most affected areas. Electricity, gas, and internet services were interrupted in multiple areas.
The tsunami alert initially issued for Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire was cancelled after the risk was evaluated.
| Country/Organization | Aid Offered |
|---|---|
| United States | Humanitarian aid |
| Spain | 54 specialized rescuers |
| El Salvador | 300 rescuers |
| Pope Leo XIV | 100,000 euros |
| Other countries | Argentina, Brazil, Germany, China, Cuba, Mexico, Iran |
The earthquake originated at the Boconó Fault, one of Venezuela's most active geological faults that runs through the Andean region. The shallow depth (between 10 and 21 kilometers or 6-13 miles) amplified the destructive effects on the surface.
According to geologist Eduardo Malagnino, the energy released was equivalent to 260 nuclear bombs like Hiroshima, accumulated over approximately 100 years of tectonic tension.
This is the strongest earthquake recorded in Venezuela since 1900, surpassing the 1967 Caracas earthquake (6.5) and the 2018 Sucre earthquake (7.3). The combination of two large-magnitude earthquakes in such a short time generated cumulative devastating effects on already weakened structures.
The Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that no Argentine citizens were reported affected so far. Multiple countries in Latin America and Europe have offered humanitarian assistance, search and rescue teams, and medical supplies. Venezuela faces the greatest natural disaster challenge in its recent history.
Sources: The Guardian | Complementary information from international agencies.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
