Two powerful earthquakes — a 7.2 magnitude quake followed just seconds later by a 7.5 — rocked the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday evening, damaging buildings in the capital and briefly triggering a tsunami advisory.
There were reports of damage and injuries in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, according to authorities.
Crews responded to collapsed buildings in the areas of Alta Mira and Palos Grandes. Some damage was reported at the airport and flights are now suspended.
People run into a street following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Venezuela on Wednesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported, triggering panic in Caracas, according to AFP journalists. The tremor, which was followed by several aftershocks, was also felt in Colombia.
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Municipal police officers stand next to the remains of a collapsed structure following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Venezuela.
Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images
Multiple people were reported injured and crews were working to take people to hospitals.
The first earthquake — a magnitude 7.2 — was what the U.S. Geological Survey calls a “foreshock,” recorded near San Felipe, Venezuela. Just 39 seconds later, a more powerful 7.5 “mainshock” was recorded in Yumare, according to the USGS.
A collapsed building after an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Adrian Naranjo/AP Photo
Rescuers search for victims in a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Venezuela on Wednesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported, triggering panic in Caracas, according to AFP journalists. The tremor, which was followed by several aftershocks, was also felt in Colombia.
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The USGS estimated a “red alert” for potential fatalities from the quake, saying: “High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread.”
People walk amid debris after an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Ariana Cubillos/AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos
Past red alerts have required a national or international response, according to the USGS.
Picture of a Bancaribe building that collapsed after an earthquake in Caracas, June 24, 2026. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Venezuela.
Juan Barreto/AFP via Getty Images
Following the quake, a tsunami advisory was issued, with the potential for hazardous tsunami waves possible for coasts within 300 kilometers of the earthquake epicenter. However, the tsunami advisory later expired.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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