What we know about Venezuela’s biggest earthquake in more than a century

What We Know About Venezuela’s Largest Earthquake in Over a Century

What we know about Venezuela s biggest – Two powerful earthquakes rattled Venezuela’s northern coastline on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, triggering a wave of devastation that left at least 164 people dead and over 971 injured. The tremors, which occurred just minutes apart, struck the region with such intensity that they caused significant structural damage and disrupted daily life for thousands. As the country grapples with its ongoing political and financial turmoil, the disaster has compounded existing challenges, prompting a nationwide response from first responders and international aid efforts.

Seismic Events and Immediate Impact

The first tremor, a magnitude 7.2 foreshock, shook San Felipe, the capital of Yaracuy state, shortly after 6:04 p.m. ET. Barely 40 seconds later, a more formidable 7.5 magnitude quake followed, centered approximately 23 kilometers southeast of Yumare, a town within the same state. The sequence of shocks left a trail of destruction, particularly in coastal areas, where the quake’s energy was most concentrated. The timing of the disaster—falling on a public holiday—added to the chaos, as many residents were at home or gathered in public spaces, unable to quickly evacuate.

Residents across multiple states reported feeling the tremors, with the effects even reaching neighboring Colombia. Footage from the region, verified by CNN through geolocation, showed buildings collapsing in seconds and terrified citizens rushing to the streets with family members and pets. One Caracas resident described the scene as “a horror movie,” capturing the raw fear that gripped the population. “The ground shook violently, and it felt like the sky was falling,” the person said, echoing the shared experience of those in the affected zones.

Rescue Efforts and Government Response

Following the quakes, acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who assumed leadership after President Nicolás Maduro was captured earlier this year, announced the death toll and injuries. She stated that the numbers are likely to rise, emphasizing the scale of the crisis. “We are currently engaged in arduous rescue operations to save as many lives as God allows. This is truly a tragedy,” Rodriguez declared in a video message. The declaration of a state of emergency has mobilized resources, with a high-level task force coordinating relief efforts and an initial $200 million fund allocated for reconstruction.

Martha Añez, a Caracas resident, recounted the harrowing experience of being trapped in her apartment after the second quake. “I couldn’t get out; there was hammering from one side and kicking from the other. I don’t know who actually rescued us, because they were shouting, ‘Get away from there, we’re coming and we are about six!’ until they finally burst through the door,” she told CNN. Añez described the aftermath as “totally and absolutely wrecked,” with three floors of her building reduced to rubble. Her account highlights the vulnerability of residents in the capital, where the quake’s impact was particularly severe.

Thousands of Caracas citizens spent the night outdoors or in their vehicles, fearing aftershocks that continued to shake the city even after the main tremors had subsided. In the Los Palos Grandes district, families pleaded with authorities for updates on missing loved ones, as buildings collapsed and high-rises sustained heavy damage. Multiple videos shared by CNN depict the widespread destruction, including crumbled structures and damaged infrastructure, underscoring the magnitude of the crisis.

Regional Damage and Infrastructure Collapse

The coastal state of La Guaira, which is home to a major port and commercial hub, emerged as the hardest-hit area. A prominent waterfront hotel in Macuto, part of La Guaira, was reduced to rubble, while the town of Catia La Mar faced severe structural damage. In addition to the physical destruction, the quakes disrupted essential services, including power and telecommunications, according to NetBlocks, a digital rights watchdog. Internet connectivity dropped sharply, creating barriers to communication and information flow in the hours following the disaster.

Officials warned that the damage could worsen, as the US Geological Survey issued two red alerts through its PAGER system. These alerts highlighted the risk of “high casualties and extensive damage,” particularly in regions where many homes and buildings are constructed with materials not designed to withstand such seismic forces. The vulnerability of the infrastructure has raised concerns about the long-term recovery process, especially in a country already struggling with economic instability and hyperinflation.

Simon Bolivar Airport, a critical transportation hub near Caracas, was temporarily closed due to structural damage. This disruption has further complicated relief operations, as the airport is essential for receiving international aid and evacuating injured individuals. Meanwhile, schools and non-essential activities across the country have been suspended for a week, while rail services remain on hold. These measures aim to prioritize safety and facilitate the coordination of rescue efforts.

Broader Context: A Nation in Crisis

The earthquakes occur amid Venezuela’s deepening political and economic crisis. The country is currently under the leadership of an interim government, with President Maduro’s capture earlier this year creating uncertainty. The financial turmoil, marked by years of hyperinflation, has strained resources and delayed recovery initiatives. This backdrop adds complexity to the current disaster, as the government must balance immediate relief with long-term rebuilding efforts.

Residents like Martha Añez and others in Caracas are now facing the dual challenges of survival and uncertainty. “We couldn’t get out; there was hammering from one side and kicking from the other,” she said, illustrating the fear and desperation that have gripped communities. The emotional toll of the disaster is evident, with families torn apart and the search for loved ones continuing overnight. As the dust settles, the focus shifts to assessing the full extent of the damage and planning for the road ahead.

Despite the initial shock and disruption, efforts are underway to restore order. First responders are working tirelessly to reach those trapped in collapsed buildings, while international partners are preparing to send aid. The resilience of the Venezuelan people, however, remains tested by the combined effects of natural disaster and political instability. As the nation faces this unprecedented challenge, the hope is that the collective response will mitigate the impact and pave the way for recovery.

Staying updated with our live coverage here. The events of Wednesday have not only shaken the earth but also the foundations of a society already on the brink. As the toll continues to climb and the scale of destruction becomes clearer, the world watches closely to see how Venezuela navigates this crisis and rebuilds from the ground up.