At least 1,000 people could die from twin earthquakes in Venezuela

Twin earthquakes exceeding magnitude 7 in Venezuela could result in at least 1,000 fatalities and widespread structural collapses across the nation.

Two powerful earthquakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck less than a minute apart near Venezuela's northern coast. Their epicenters were at depths of 22 km and 10 km respectively. The tremors caused buildings to collapse in the capital, Caracas, prompting the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to issue a red alert through its PAGER earthquake monitoring system. The USGS estimated that the consecutive quakes could lead to at least 1,000 deaths.

The red alert signifies a high probability of fatalities and widespread, catastrophic damage, according to the USGS. The agency highlighted that most residents in the affected regions live in unreinforced brick or mud-brick homes, which are highly vulnerable to collapse during seismic activity. While PAGER's estimates help emergency responders quickly assess the potential scale of an earthquake for rescue planning, the USGS cautioned that these figures are not official casualty counts.

Venezuela's Ministry of Information and Communication reported that the earthquakes impacted several states, including Yaracuy, Lara, Merida, Aragua, Carabobo, La Guaira, and Miranda, as well as the Capital District. With tremors occurring in the evening, preliminary information on casualties and damage is not yet available. The ministry announced the deployment of security forces nationwide to respond to the emergency, noting that many structures are at risk of collapse.

Damage from the earthquake in Catia La Mar, Venezuela on 24/6. Video: X/robsoto1511.

In the Chacao area of Caracas, local officials stated that over 500 emergency personnel are actively working to rescue people from collapsed or damaged buildings, with at least 18 individuals already saved. To mitigate explosion risks, the government authorized cutting direct gas supply to several buildings. Reports indicate at least two buildings have completely collapsed, and many others have sustained structural damage.

A collapsed building in Venezuela's capital, Caracas, after the earthquake on 24/6. Photo: AP.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged residents to evacuate their homes and remain outside, anticipating potential aftershocks. He warned, "People should not remain indoors, as events of this type are often followed by aftershocks, which can cause structures already damaged by the main earthquake to collapse entirely."

Venezuela is a country prone to earthquakes. Its strongest recent seismic events include one in the northeast in 1997, which caused 73 deaths, and another in Caracas in 1967, resulting in 236 fatalities.