Central Venezuela was rocked by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday, and federal seismologists have cautioned that the event could prove catastrophic, with significant loss of life and destruction anticipated, according to The New York Times.
People across the country reported violent shaking that toppled structures and left large areas without power, including Caracas. Videos and photographs spread online showing buildings reduced to rubble, according to The Times. As of early reporting, no confirmed death toll had been established.
At least one building collapse in Caracas drew emergency responders and law enforcement to the scene. Nearby, patients were moved out of hospitals as a precaution, joining crowds of residents who had fled into open areas throughout the city, according to The Times.
Venezuela entered the disaster carrying substantial existing burdens. Despite sitting atop vast petroleum reserves, Venezuela's oil sector has deteriorated sharply under the weight of aging infrastructure and American sanctions, and runaway inflation has further eroded the population's economic stability, according to The Times. Former leader Nicolás Maduro was seized by the U.S. military in January, according to The Times.
Update, June 25, 2026: The first of Wednesday's two earthquakes measured 7.2 magnitude, followed by a 7.5-magnitude quake — the largest to strike Venezuela or its coast since 1900. Experts believe the two quakes were related. (per The New York Times)
Update, June 25, 2026: Emergency responders searched into the night for survivors after a residential building collapsed in the El Paraíso neighborhood of Caracas. (per The New York Times)
Update, June 25, 2026: The worst damage from Wednesday's earthquakes is concentrated in the port city of La Guaira, a gateway to Caracas. (per The New York Times)
Update, June 25, 2026: The United Nations' main humanitarian agency reported that more than 100 buildings collapsed in La Guaira as a result of Wednesday's earthquakes. (per The New York Times)