Buildings collapse after major earthquakes hit Venezuela

Buildings collapse after major earthquakes hit Venezuela Published June 25, 2026last updated June 25, 2026What you need to know - Central Venezuela was shaken by two earthquakes, one with a magnitude 7.2 and the other with a magnitude 7.5 - Extensive damage reported in the capital, Caracas - High casualties are probable, USGS says - Tremors also felt in neighboring Colombia Follow along for the latest news out ofVenezuela on Wednesday, June 24: 'High casualties' likely in Venezuela, USGS says Strong earthquakes brought buildings down in Caracas. "High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread," the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. The USGS said, based on data from the types of structures common in the area, that there was a 44% chance that fatalities will exceed 10,000. Venezuelan authorities did not immediately provide estimates of deaths or injuries. On state television, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced that some buildings had been brought down and houses had collapsed in Caracas. What we know so far about the quakes in Venezuela A 7.2-magnitude earthquake shook Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon, swaying buildings and homes in the capital of Caracas. According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake's epicenter was located about 17 miles (28 kilometers) west of the community of Moron, located along the country's Caribbean coast, about 104 miles from Caracas. The quake had a depth of 13 kilometers. A second, even larger earthquake measuring 7.5 magnitude hit the same area just 39 seconds after that. This quake had a depth of 10 kilometers. Follow along.