At least 32 people have been confirmed dead and more than 700 others injured after two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela less than a minute apart, causing widespread destruction and triggering major rescue operations. Authorities have warned that the death toll is expected to rise as search teams continue looking for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The first earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.2, struck on June 24, followed just 40 seconds later by a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake. The back-to-back tremors caused buildings to collapse, damaged critical infrastructure, and sent residents fleeing into the streets in panic. The quakes were felt across much of Venezuela and in neighboring countries.
The hardest-hit areas include the capital, Caracas, and the coastal state of La Guaira, where rescue crews are working around the clock to locate survivors. Hospitals have been overwhelmed with casualties, while power outages and damaged roads have complicated emergency response efforts.
The United States Geological Survey described the event as a rare and severe seismic doublet and warned that the overall impact could be far greater than initial reports suggest. Officials have cautioned that aftershocks remain possible and have urged residents to avoid damaged buildings until safety inspections are completed.
Emergency responders, volunteers, and international partners have begun mobilizing humanitarian assistance as Venezuela assesses the full extent of the disaster. Rescue operations remain ongoing, with authorities emphasizing that casualty figures are likely to increase as more affected areas become accessible.
