A series of earthquakes struck off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings and sending panicked residents into the streets.
Earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude shook the area, moving buildings from cities as far away as the Brazilian Amazon about 1,700 kilometers away.
Venezuela’s Maiquetía airport is closed and classes canceled after an earthquake damaged several provinces across the country, Acting President Rodríguez said at a press conference.
Rodríguez’s failure to address the nation within three hours of the earthquake, while his government did not provide a report on injuries or deaths at the time, was criticized by politicians and Venezuelans.
“Uncertainty becomes another frame of grief,” said Edmundo González, president of the 2024 opposition party, to X.
The US Geological Survey initially said the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, later revised that to 7.2, and its epicenter was west of the community of Morón, along the coast of the Caribbean country, about 168 kilometers west of Caracas. The earthquake had a depth of 22 kilometers.
The USGS reported an even larger 7.5-magnitude earthquake a minute later. The second earthquake had a depth of 10 kilometers and its epicenter is 16 kilometers southwest of Morón.
The earthquake, one of the strongest to attack Venezuela in more than a century, struck shortly after 6:00 p.m. People evacuated the shaking buildings in the capital Caracas, many were shocked to see all the walls that had collapsed, leaving furniture visible on the street. Columns of dust can also be seen in two areas of the capital, where restaurants and other businesses are usually busy.
People walk through the rubble after an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos
‘We all had to leave our houses’
People sit on the streets for hours, even after sunset. Others were sitting on the ground hugging their pets as the dust filled them. Fallen buildings, downed power poles and debris blocked roads. Parts of the capital have lost power and mobile signal.
“It started well and slowly grew, and in the end, we all had to leave our houses, go outside and come together,” said Caracas resident Hector Ricci.
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The lack of cell phone signal in parts of Venezuela deepened the distress of many families, especially those among the more than 7.7 million people who have fled the country during the protracted crisis.
“May strength, calm, and unity reign among us in this difficult time,” said opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in exile on X.
The impact was felt throughout Venezuela
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the tremors could be felt in many provinces. The Altamira area of Caracas was in “shocking conditions” with collapsed houses and buildings, he said, suggesting people were injured by the earthquake and asking drivers to give way to ambulances and other emergency vehicles.
“We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to the regulations so that relief and rescue efforts can work to help those who need it most,” Cabello said on state television. “Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and see if anyone is injured.”
He also urged people to stay outside because the earthquake may damage some buildings.
“The building was really shaking from side to side. It’s unusual. The energy was incredibly strong,” said Caracas resident Roberto Gamas. “We were walking and it threw us, everything in the apartment fell, thank God we were able to get out.”
Expressions of support posted on social media
Reactions quickly poured in on social media.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, in exile after leaving Venezuela in December, went to X to send prayers and wishes for strength to the Venezuelan people.
“May strength, calm, and unity prevail among us in this difficult time,” he wrote to X.
The President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, expressed solidarity with Venezuela following the earthquake, saying that “the heart of his country is with the people of Venezuela in these difficult times.”
“We send you all our solidarity and prayers. Stay strong, Venezuela,” Bukele wrote.
Republican Representative María Elvira Salazar of Florida said her “thoughts and prayers” were with Venezuela and showed support for the affected families, those still waiting for answers and first responders.
“The strength of the Venezuelan people has been tested many times,” he wrote. “I have no doubt that they will face this time with strength, courage, and hope that has carried them through all the challenges.”
Earthquakes affect the region
Buildings in Manaus, Belem and Macapá in the Brazilian Amazon have been evacuated, according to TV Globo reports.
The quake was also felt in Colombia’s Caribbean and northeastern regions, but no damage or injuries were reported. The Colombian Maritime Authority said in a statement that the country’s Caribbean coast is not at risk of a tsunami.
The US Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami warning for the Virgin Islands. Authorities in the Dominican Republic also issued one for the island. Another notice from Puerto Rico was immediately removed.
Strong earthquakes are not uncommon in Venezuela.
While the country sits along many fault lines, its alignment with the South American and Caribbean plates makes earthquakes less common than in other parts of Latin America. Along the Pacific coast – in Mexico and Chile, for example – earthquakes are common. The two countries sit along a seismically active tectonic belt known as the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” which is responsible for 90% of earthquakes, according to the USGS.
The quake was also felt in Colombia’s Caribbean and northeastern regions, but no damage or injuries were reported. The Colombian Maritime Authority said in a statement that the country’s Caribbean coast is not at risk of a tsunami.
In the Brazilian Amazon, buildings in the cities of Manaus, Belem and Macapá were also evacuated.
