Venezuela Rocked by Largest Earthquake in 125 Years, Buildings Collapse in Caracas

Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez has said that at least 32 people are dead and 700 others injured following a major earthquake that struck Venezuela on Wednesday (25/6/2026) local time. The figure represents the first official information on casualties released by Rodriguez. Seismologists confirmed that a first major earthquake of magnitude 7.2 struck near the city of San Felipe, the capital of Yaracuy state. Approximately 40 seconds later, a second, larger earthquake of magnitude 7.5 occurred southeast of the city of Yumare. The earthquakes were the largest ever to hit Venezuela and the strongest in the last 125 years. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre was at a depth of 10 kilometres and located west of the coastal area of Moron. The tremors were felt intensely in the capital Caracas, causing a number of buildings to collapse. The USGS estimates the death toll could reach thousands, with a range of between 10,000 and 100,000 people. With the primary goal of saving lives, President Rodriguez said local authorities are focused on rescuing victims trapped in the rubble of destroyed buildings and homes. “We have declared a national state of emergency, as provided for in our constitution,” Rodriguez said in a video address on Wednesday evening local time. She added that Venezuela’s main airport, Maiquetia, has been forced to close completely after sustaining severe damage. “Several areas are reported to be severely affected. In the capital Caracas, buildings have collapsed in various areas. The states of Miranda and La Guaira have also suffered significant damage, as have the regions of Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcon,” Rodriguez explained. She further stated that at least 20 aftershocks have been recorded following the two main earthquakes. “I would like to thank governments around the world who immediately contacted Venezuela after the earthquake to express their solidarity and support,” Rodriguez said. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is currently detained in the United States, called on the Venezuelan people to unite and help one another following the major earthquake that shook the South American nation on Wednesday. “In these difficult times, we call for national unity, calm, and tangible assistance: to help one another, protect, share, strengthen, and recover. Venezuela has overcome great trials, and we will rise from this ordeal stronger—through faith, discipline, and solidarity,” Maduro said in a statement on platform X.