Two powerful earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela on Wednesday, collapsing buildings, triggering panic across the country and capital of Caracas, and prompting the U.S. Geological Survey to warn that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable.”The USGS said a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Morón, about 130 miles west of Caracas, at a depth of about 8 miles. Just 39 seconds later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake struck nearby at a shallower depth of about 6 miles.The agency issued a red alert on its Pager system, estimating a high likelihood of significant fatalities and infrastructural losses.
Venezuelan authorities had not immediately issued casualty figures, but emergency crews were responding to reports of collapsed buildings, damaged homes, and widespread power outages. Interior Minister Diosado Cabello said rescue efforts were underway and urged residents to remain outdoors because of the risk of aftershocks. He also asked the public to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.Videos posted on social media showed residents fleeing into the streets as buildings crumbled and dust filled the sky. The tremors were felt across neighboring Colombia, where some buildings were evacuated as a precaution.A man jumps on a collapsed building after an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Adrian Naranjo)
