300 Aftershocks Recorded Following Devastating Twin Earthquakes in Venezuela

Venezuelan authorities have reported that at least 300 aftershocks have struck the country following devastating twin earthquakes on Wednesday (24/06) local time. These hundreds of aftershocks have been recorded with lower magnitudes.

Two powerful earthquakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 respectively, shook the Venezuelan region just 39 seconds apart on Wednesday evening local time. These two earthquakes, which the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has described as a “doublet” phenomenon, caused numerous buildings to collapse, damaged Venezuela’s main airport, and have so far claimed more than 900 lives.

“From 18:03 local time on 24 June until now, we have recorded a total of 302 seismic events. In addition to the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, there have been 300 other seismic events, which are aftershocks,” stated the Speaker of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, in a speech broadcast on the state television channel, VTV.

Rodriguez noted that the aftershocks are occurring along three major geological fault lines that traverse the Venezuelan territory.

The most recent aftershock, recorded at magnitude 4.9, was felt by Venezuelan residents on Friday (26/06) afternoon, according to Reuters reports. This tremor was primarily felt in the Caracas and Maracay areas.

It remains unknown whether there are any new casualties resulting from these recent aftershocks.

According to the latest government data, the death toll from the twin earthquakes in Venezuela has reached at least 920 people. Another 3,360 individuals have sustained injuries.

An additional 172 people are believed to be trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings, while more than 50,000 others remain missing following the tremors.

Nearly 400 houses have been destroyed, with significant damage reported to local infrastructure and hospitals. Venezuela’s main airport remains closed following structural damage.