Venezuela is experiencing its worst natural disaster in decades after two strong earthquakes struck close to the capital Caracas in seconds last week, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 700 more. The double quakes triggered widespread panic, damaged critical infrastructure, forced the country’s main international airport to shut down, and put the country in a state of emergency.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced the emergency measures soon after the disaster to residents and to ensure that the country was safe and calm in the aftermath of the disaster as rescue efforts were ongoing across the country.
Rodríguez said: “We urge our population to remain calm. We urge unity."
Twin Earthquakes Strike Within 39 Seconds
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake was 7.2 magnitude and occurred 168 kilometers west of Caracas near Morón at 21.9 km depth.
And just 39 seconds later a stronger 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit the same region at a shallower depth of 10 kilometers (10 km) and the level of destruction was much more extensive.
The USGS called the first earthquake a foreshock and the second the mainshock and described the event as a rare seismic “doublet.” Since that earthquake, more than 20 aftershocks have been recorded since then, keeping residents on edge and complicating rescue efforts.
The official said the number of casualties could increase dramatically with emergency workers still searching for collapsed buildings and assessing damage in remote areas.
Venezolano se graba corriendo las escaleras de su edificio mientras ocurría los dos terremotos que azotaron Venezuela, se pueden ver como las escaleras están agrietadas. pic.twitter.com/PWcRqTq87I
— 🇻🇪 amilcarrock 🇺🇦 (@amilcarrock) June 25, 2026
Airport Closed, Schools Shut, Buildings Collapse
Probably the most visible symbol of the disaster was Simon Bolivar International Airport—Venezuela’s largest international gateway—which was affected. It was confirmed that part of the airport’s roof collapsed during the earthquakes, forcing officials to suspend operations because of serious structural issues.
Schools and educational institutions in the affected areas have also been ordered to be closed for several days as engineers survey the structures and authorities deal with emergency response.
Several buildings were severely damaged in Caracas and rescue teams were pulling survivors out of collapsed buildings during the night.
Gustavo Duque, the mayor of Chacao municipality, said emergency responders rescued 18 survivors from a single collapsed building and were looking for others who still might be in the rubble.
Rescue Operations Continue Across Venezuela
The state of Falcón was among the worst-hit areas. Dozens of injured residents have been hospitalized and rescue workers are still searching for people trapped under damaged buildings, said Victor Clark, governor of the state.
Hospitals in the country have been placed on an emergency footing and health care providers have been advised to respond immediately to the growing number of injured victims.
Venezuela has been described as chaotic; thousands of people are afraid to sleep outdoors and have been bracing for more aftershocks.
Witnesses recalled terrifying moments as buildings swayed violently and walls cracked around them.
"The stairs came away, the whole wall cracked. Things fell from the ceiling. It was horrible," said bank employee Odalis Escalona, who survived the earthquake in Caracas.
World Leaders Extend Support
As images of destruction spread around the world, a number of world leaders spoke out in solidarity with the Venezuelan people.
Narendra Modi has sent his condolences on X as well as a message of solidarity to the victims and their families and wished for a swift recovery for the wounded individuals. The Indian leader joined a growing list of world leaders who are lending assistance and supporting Venezuela to deal with the disaster and aid it in the humanitarian crisis.
Trump also backed up the United States position by saying that the United States is ready to support Venezuela in this crisis.
"The United States stands ready, willing and able to help," Trump said in his letter, and he had asked federal agencies to prepare for a rapid response if needed.
Delcy Rodríguez wrote to President Trump to thank him for continuing to communicate with Venezuelan authorities and said she was grateful to the United States for the support it has given her. She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the other world leaders for their messages of solidarity.
Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2026
On behalf of the people of India, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially to the families who have lost their loved ones. We pray for the speedy…
A Nation Facing a Long Recovery
Venezuela is now faced with a long recovery process with thousands displaced, critical infrastructure damaged and aftershocks shaking the region.
Emergency teams are now searching for survivors, restoring essential services and figuring out how much damage has been done. The death toll is still 32 as of now but rescue teams are worried that numbers will go up if they go into the hardest-hit areas.
On the night of the twin earthquakes, many of Venezuela’s citizens will recall it as one of the most terrifying moments in their modern history: an earthquake that tested the strength of the country’s people and the world’s resolve in times of crisis.
